Thromboembolism in patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer treated with anthracycline, platinum, and fluoropyrimidine combination chemotherapy: a report from the UK National Cancer Research Institute Upper Gastrointestinal Clinical Studies Group

Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Pathophysiology, Laboratory Assessment, and Current Guidelines

Dysregulated hemostasis in cancer patients is associated with various clinical conditions, from thromboembolic complications to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Despite the well-established association between cancer and thromboembolic complications, the mechanisms involved are not completely elucidated. There are several predisposing factors in cancer for increased thrombus generation, such as immobilization and chemotherapy. The term cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) has been introduced to describe the close bidirectional relationship between cancer and thromboembolic events. Conventional coagulation tests (PT/aPTT) are more accurate in detecting a hypocoagulable rather than a hypercoagulable state; thus, their contribution to CAT management is limited. Traditionally, D-dimer levels have been the most common laboratory study for the evaluation of thrombotic risk. However, D-dimer levels only display a snapshot of the coagulation cascade, and they cannot provide a dynamic evaluation of evolving clot formation. Non-conventional assays, such as viscoelastic methods and microparticle formation are promising tools for the identification of patients at risk for developing CAT. Recent guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology counsel against the estimation of thrombotic risk through a single test and recommend the use of scoring systems that take into account several risk factors. The present review outlines the current insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of CAT and provides a comprehensive review of the latest advances in the laboratory assessment of CAT and the recent guidelines for the management of patients at risk for developing thromboembolic complications.

Development and validation of a nomogram for identifying venous thromboembolism following oral and maxillofacial oncological surgery with simultaneous reconstruction

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to establish and validate a novel predictive model for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial oncological surgery with simultaneous reconstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 372 patients were selected, and their demographic data, comorbidities, medical history, laboratory variables, postoperative Caprini scores, perioperative indicators, and procedures were recorded and analyzed to build the model. The predictive model is displayed as a nomogram.

RESULTS

The incidence of VTE was 20.7% (77/372). Several factors were found to be significantly associated with VTE, including age (67 vs. 56 years, P < 0.001), preoperative level of D-dimer (0.56 vs. 0.36 mg/L, P < 0.001), proportion of female patients (46.8% vs. 33.6%, P = 0.032), hypertension (33.8% vs. 21%, P = 0.019). The predictive model was composed of age, gender, and preoperative D-dimer level, with good discriminative ability, as reflected by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.756, the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.696-0.816. Moreover, it showed favorable diagnostic performance compared with both the 2005 (AUC 0.646, 95% CI = 0.578-0.714) and 2010 (AUC 0.627, 95% CI = 0.559-0.694) versions of the Caprini risk assessment model. For patients with malignant tumor, neoadjuvant chemotherapy was also an independent risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel predictive model consists of three readily available clinical variables that show good diagnostic performance in predicting postoperative VTE.

Management of Spontaneous Aortic Thrombus Following Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Urothelial Cancer: A Case Report

Spontaneous aortic thrombosis is exceedingly rare, and optimal treatment remains uncertain. We present an unusual case of a spontaneous aortic thrombus at the renal artery level in a patient undergoing active cisplatin treatment for urothelial carcinoma. Management included catheter-directed thrombolysis followed by thrombectomy. An open cutdown was performed on the left common femoral artery (CFA), with right groin access via a 6-Fr sheath. Clamping of the left superficial and deep femoral arteries, along with balloon occlusion of the right common iliac artery, prevented distal embolization. A Coda balloon introduced via direct left CFA puncture with a 20-Fr sheath was positioned above the aortic thrombus. After inflation, clots were trawled to the sheath, "sandwiching" the clots before removal of the balloon and sheath via the left groin. Post-operatively, the patient recovered well and received continued therapeutic anticoagulation.

Consensus on prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) in controversial clinical situations with low levels of evidence

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients suffer high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Cancer-associated VTE (CAT) causes hospitalization, morbidity, delayed cancer treatment, and mortality; therefore, exceptional CAT prevention and management are imperative.

METHODS

This review offers practical recommendations and treatment algorithms for eight complex, clinically relevant situations posing great uncertainty regarding management and requiring an urgent decision: VTE prophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients with pancreatic pancreas (1) or lung cancer with molecular alterations (2); optimal management of VTE during antineoplastic treatment with antiangiogenics (3) or chemotherapy (4); protracted VTE treatment, determinants; (5) drugs used (6), and optimal VTE management in situations of high bleeding risk (7) or recurrent VTE (8).

RESULTS

With the evidence available, primary thromboprophylaxis in patients with lung cancer harbouring ALK/ROS1 translocations or pancreatic cancer receiving ambulatory chemotherapy must be appraised. If antiangiogenic therapy can yield a clear benefit and the patient recovers from a grade 3 thrombotic event, it can be cautiously re-introduced in selected cases, provided that the person agrees to assume the risk after being duly informed. Anticoagulation maintenance beyond 6 months is recommended in individuals with metastatic tumours, on active treatment, or at high risk for recurrent VTE without bleeding risk. In such cases, LMWH and DOACs are safe, being mindful that the latter could entail a higher risk of bleeding; consequently, they should be used judiciously in more haemorrhagic tumours, such as gastrointestinal cancers. In cases of recurrent VTE, the presence of active cancer, infra-therapeutic dose, and anticoagulant treatment failure must be ruled out. In individuals with platelet counts of 25,000-50,000 and VTE liable to recur who need anticoagulation, full-dose LMWH and transfusion support can be contemplated to reach values of > 50,000. In CAT unlikely to recur, decreasing the LMWH dose by 25-50% is recommended. Renal impairment associated with thrombosis must be treated with LMWHs; there is no need to adjust the dose in patients with CrCl > 30; with CrCl = 15-30, dose adjustment is advised, and suspended when CrCl is < 15.

CONCLUSION

We provide useful advice for complex, clinically relevant situations that clinicians treating CAT must face devoid of any unequivocal, strong, evidence-based recommendations.

Incidence, Timing, and Outcomes of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Esophagogastric Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Abdominal surgery and chemotherapy are well-established risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer, but their specific contribution in patients with esophageal and gastric cancer is unclear. We aim to quantify the risk of VTE, identify risk factors associated with VTE, and determine the association between VTE and survival in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal or gastric cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted using linked administrative healthcare databases. We used the Ontario Cancer Registry to identify patients with esophageal or gastric cancer between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 who underwent surgical resection. Incidence of first VTE event was identified using International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10 codes. VTE incidence was calculated at clinically relevant time points 180 days before and after surgery. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with VTE with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) reported. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate associations between covariates and survival. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) by VTE status.

RESULTS

A total of 4894 patients had esophagectomy or gastrectomy, of which 8% (n = 383/4894) had VTE. VTE risk was 2.5% (n = 123/4894) 180 days before surgery, 2.8% (n = 138/4894) within 30 days of surgery, and 2.5% (n = 122/4894) from 31 to ≤ 180 days after surgery. Of the patients with VTE within 30 days of surgery, 34% (n = 47/138) were diagnosed after discharge from hospital. Receipt of preoperative chemotherapy was associated with VTE 180 days before surgery (odds ratio [OR] 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.41, 6.11). Increased hospital length of stay (LOS) was associated with VTE 30 days after surgery (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02, 1.14, per week). Patients with VTE had inferior median OS and CSS (2.2 vs. 3.7 years; 2.3 vs. 4.4 years, respectively). In adjusted models VTE was associated with inferior OS (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13, 1.63) and CSS (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.16, 1.75).

CONCLUSIONS

The highest risk of VTE is within 30 days of surgery with one third of patients diagnosed after discharge from hospital. Longer hospital LOS and receipt of preoperative chemotherapy are associated with increased risk of VTE. VTE is an independent risk factor for inferior survival in patients with esophageal or gastric cancer.

Predictors for thromboembolism in patients with cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of thromboembolic events contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Because cholangiocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer, the incidence of thromboembolism in this patient population is not well defined.

METHODS

Patients with cholangiocarcinoma treated at the University Cancer Center Leipzig between January 2014 and December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively regarding the incidence of arterial and venous thromboembolism.

RESULTS

A total of 133 newly and consecutively diagnosed patients were included, of whom 22% had stage IV disease. Thromboembolism was diagnosed in 39 (29.3%), with 48% of the events occurring between 60 days prior and 30 days after the initial diagnosis. Arterial thrombosis accounted for 19% and portal venous thrombosis for 33% of the events, while the rest of events occurred in the non-portal venous system. In multivariable analysis, an ONKOTEV score ≥ 2 was the only independent predictor for thromboembolism. Serum CA 19-9 was available in 87 patients (65.4%). In this subgroup, CA 19-9 above the median of 97.7 U/ml and vascular or lymphatic compression were independent predictors for thromboembolism in the first year and CA 19-9 alone remained a significant predictor over the whole observation period. An ONKOTEV score ≥ 2 and increasing age were predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

A very high thromboembolic risk was observed in cholangiocarcinoma, comparable to the risk situation in pancreatic and gastric cancer. The ONKOTEV score and serum CA 19-9 are independent predictors of thromboembolic events. Prospective validation of our observations in this patient population is warranted.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: from clinical trials to real life

Approximately one-fifth of all cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are related to cancer. VTE complications may have a substantial impact on prognosis, quality of life and care in patients with cancer. Patients with cancer-related VTE are at increased risk of developing recurrent VTE compared to patients without cancer, but also have a higher risk of major bleeding. In the last years, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been evaluated in a head-to-head comparison with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in two randomized trials for the long-term treatment of VTE in patients with advanced cancer. The results of these trials show that DOACs have a similar efficacy profile, but probably higher risk of bleeding, compared to LMWH dalteparin. Because DOACs offer a simple oral treatment regimen without the need for anticoagulation monitoring, they could be attractive alternatives to LMWHs in these setting. The American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines, published in August 2019, recommend LMWH, edoxaban and rivaroxaban as first-choice therapies for long-term anticoagulation in cancer patients with VTE. However, several practical issues should be considered concerning the long-term use of DOAC treatment in patients with cancer. Major concerns have been highlighted about the gastrointestinal bleeding risk in patients with gastrointestinal cancers and the potential drug-drug interactions in combination for some specific anticancer therapies. Several studies comparing DOACs with LMWH are currently ongoing to refine our knowledge concerning treatment with DOACs in patients with cancer-associated VTE.

Thromboembolic risk in patients with lung cancer receiving systemic therapy

In this retrospective study, we investigated the influence of chemotherapy and immunotherapy on thromboembolic risk among United States Veterans with lung cancer during their first 6 months (180 days) following initiation of systemic therapy. Included patients received treatment with common front-line agents that were divided into four groups: chemotherapy alone, immunotherapy alone, combination of chemo- and immunotherapies, and molecularly targeted therapies (control group). The cohort experienced a 7·4% overall incidence of thrombosis, but the analysis demonstrated significantly different rates among the different groups. We explored models incorporating multiple confounding variables as well as the competing risk of death, and these results indicated that both chemo- and immunotherapies were associated with an increased incidence of thrombosis, either alone or combined, compared with the control group (7·56%, P = 2.2 × 10^-16 ; 10·2%, P = 2.2 × 10^-16 ; and 7·87%, P = 2.4 × 10^-14 respectively vs. 4·10%). The Khorana score was found to be associated with increased risk, as were vascular disease and metastases. We found an association between risk of thrombosis and the use of anticoagulation, accounting for several confounders, including history of thrombosis. Further study is warranted to better determine the drivers of thromboembolic risk and to identify ways to mitigate this risk for patients.

Prognostic impact of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in gastric cancer patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

gastric cancer patients frequently develop peritoneal metastases (PM) with a poor long-term prognosis. A solid body of evidence underlines the beneficial role of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on survival, but to date, there is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal strategy in the treatment of locally advanced primary tumors with or without peritoneal metastasis. The present meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of CRS + HIPEC on survival analyzing the results of randomized studies only.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Twelve studies were included in qualitative and quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

A survival benefit for patients treated with CRS + HIPEC at all time points was highlighted. However, difference in survival was significant at all time points for patients treated for prophylaxis of PM, but no difference was found when considering resection with a curative intent. The 1, 2, 3 and 5-year survival rates (SR) for patients undergoing CRS + HIPEC were 86.9%, 70.5%, 63.7% and 55.7% respectively. CRS + HIPEC for the treatment rather than prophylaxis of PM was the only predictor of a reduced 3y SR.

CONCLUSIONS

CRS + HIPEC may lead to improved prognosis for patients suffering from locally advanced gastric cancer in both prophylactic and curative settings. However, due to far from negligible postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, a strict patient selection is crucial to achieve the best results. The presence of extraperitoneal disease strongly limits the indication of this kind of surgery.

Genomic profiling identifies somatic mutations predicting thromboembolic risk in patients with solid tumors

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with cancer (CAT) is a well-described complication of cancer and a leading cause of death in patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess potential associations of molecular signatures with CAT, including tumor-specific mutations and the presence of clonal hematopoiesis. We analyzed deep-coverage targeted DNA-sequencing data of >14 000 solid tumor samples using the Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets platform to identify somatic alterations associated with VTE. End point was defined as the first instance of cancer-associated pulmonary embolism and/or proximal/distal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression was used, adjusting for pertinent clinical covariates. Of 11 695 evaluable individuals, 72% had metastatic disease at time of analysis. Tumor-specific mutations in KRAS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.64; adjusted P = .08), STK11 (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.55-2.89; adjusted P < .001), KEAP1 (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.21-2.79; adjusted P = .07), CTNNB1 (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.60; adjusted P = .09), CDKN2B (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.85; adjusted P = .07), and MET (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.15-2.92; adjusted P = .09) were associated with a significantly increased risk of CAT independent of tumor type. Mutations in SETD2 were associated with a decreased risk of CAT (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.79; adjusted P = .09). The presence of clonal hematopoiesis was not associated with an increased VTE rate. This is the first large-scale analysis to elucidate tumor-specific genomic events associated with CAT. Somatic tumor mutations of STK11, KRAS, CTNNB1, KEAP1, CDKN2B, and MET were associated with an increased risk of VTE in patients with solid tumors. Further analysis is needed to validate these findings and identify additional molecular signatures unique to individual tumor types.

Patterns and predictors of thromboembolic events among patients with gastric cancer

Patients with gastric cancer are at higher risk for venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Majority of such patients are treated in ambulatory settings where thromboprophylaxis is not routinely offered. In this study, we report on VTE rates and search for predictors that may help identify patients at higher risk to justify VTE-prophylaxis in ambulatory settings. Patients with pathologically-confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed for VTE detected by imaging studies. Clinical and pathological features known to increase the risk of VTE were studied. Khorana risk assessment model was applied on patients receiving chemotherapy. A total of 671 patients; median age 55 years, were recruited. VTE were diagnosed in 150 (22.4%) patients, including 42 (28.0%) pulmonary embolism and 18 (12.0%) upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Majority (> 80%) developed VTE while in ambulatory settings and none had been on thromboprophylaxis. Rate was higher (27.1%) among 365 patients with metastatic compared to 16.7% among 306 patients with nonmetastatic disease, p = 0.001. Patients with metastatic disease who received multiple lines of chemotherapy (n = 85) had significantly higher rate of VTE compared to those who received a single line; 48.2% versus 19.4%, p < 0.001. Among the whole group, Khorana risk score, age, gender, smoking and obesity had no impact on VTE rates. Patients with metastatic gastric cancer, especially when treated with multiple lines of chemotherapy, are at a significantly higher risk of VTE. Khorana risk score had no impact on VTE rates. Thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory patients with metastatic gastric cancer worth studying.

Paraneoplastic Thromboembolism and Thrombophilia: Significance in Visceral Medicine

Background

Venous (VTE) and arterial thromboembolism (ATE) are frequent complications of cancer. Risk assessment models (RAM) for stratification of the thrombotic risk in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer have several limitations.

Summary

While pancreatic and stomach cancer are considered very high risk in all RAM, the risk of colorectal cancer differs between RAM, and esophageal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma were underrepresented or not included in any RAM. In addition, up to 49% of patients with pancreatic cancer develop splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). Prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) in ambulatory cancer patients is associated with a positive risk-benefit ratio only in high-risk patients and LMWH have been the standard of care for the treatment of cancer-associated VTE and SVT over the last years. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have been shown to be equally effective compared to LMWH, but bleedings from the GI tract are more frequent. Therefore, recent guidelines suggest the use of DOAC for VTE treatment and for prophylaxis in ambulatory patients at high risk for VTE, but patients at high risk for bleeding, especially with active luminal cancer, should receive LMWH.

Key Messages

This review discusses RAM and the current options for prophylaxis and treatment of cancer-associated ATE, VTE, and SVT focusing on GI cancers.

Risk Factors and Clinical Significance of D-Dimer in the Development of Postoperative Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Lung Tumor

BACKGROUND

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is higher in patients with lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative VTE and explore the VTE predication capacity of D-dimer kinetics.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six hundred patients who had lung tumor surgery were analyzed retrospectively between January 2018 and August 2019, and venous ultrasound imaging and D-dimer examination before and after surgery were recommended to all operative patients. Of these 600 patients, 523 patients had venous thromboembolism after surgery, and 77 patients had not found. The general clinical data, postoperative prophylactic anticoagulant therapy, early systemic thromboprophylaxis, 50% increment of D-dimer, 100% increment of D-dimer, and perioperative (preoperative and days 1, 3, and 5 after surgery) D-dimer levels were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of postoperative VTE.

RESULTS

VTE developed in 77 (12.8%) patients. In a univariate analysis, age, surgical approach, tumor size, histology, postoperative preventive anticoagulation, postoperative limb compression therapy, postoperative hemostasis, duration of operation, early systemic thromboprophylaxis, 100% increment of D-dimer, preoperative and postoperative D-dimer level, intraoperative blood loss, and time spent in the hospital were significantly different between the thrombus group and nonthrombus group (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that age >60 years (P = 0.006) and D-dimer level on 5 days after surgery (P = 0.000) were significant independent risk factors for VTE. Postoperative D-dimer was significantly higher than the preoperative level (P < 0.001). Postoperative D-dimer level was significantly different between benign and malignant tumor groups (P < 0.05) and between the thrombus group and nonthrombus group (P < 0.001). Preventive anticoagulation and limb compression therapy starting from the first day after surgery was statistically significant between the thrombus group and the nonthrombus group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Continuous detection of D-dimer level after pulmonary tumor surgery combined with thrombotic-related risk factors can better evaluate the occurrence of VTE. Preventive anticoagulant therapy and limb compression therapy starting from the first day after surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of VTE.

Pharmacological cancer treatment and venous thromboembolism risk

Risk factors for cancer-associated thrombosis are commonly divided into three categories: patient-, cancer-, and treatment-related factors. Currently, different types of drugs are used in cancer treatment. Chemotherapy has been identified as an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, it should be noted, that the risk of VTE is not consistent among all cytotoxic agents. In addition, different supportive care drugs, such as erythropoiesis stimulating agents or granulocyte colony stimulating factors, and hormonotherapy have been associated to an increased risk of VTE. Immunotherapy and molecular-targeted therapies have significantly changed the treatment of cancer over the past decade. The main subtypes include tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, and immunomodulatory agents. The relationship between VTE and targeted therapies remains largely unknown.

Potential Mechanisms of Cancer-Related Hypercoagulability

The association between cancer and thrombosis has been known for over a century and a half. However, the mechanisms that underlie this correlation are not fully characterized. Hypercoagulability in cancer patients can be classified into two main categories: Type I and Type II. Type I occurs when the balance of endogenous heparin production and degradation is disturbed, with increased degradation of endogenous heparin by tumor-secreted heparanase. Type II hypercoagulability includes all the other etiologies, with factors related to the patient, the tumor, and/or the treatment. Patients with poor performance status are at higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Tumors can result in VTE through direct pressure on blood vessels, resulting in stasis. Several medications for cancer are correlated with a high risk of thrombosis. These include hormonal therapy (e.g., tamoxifen), chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin, thalidomide and asparaginase), molecular targeted therapy (e.g., lenvatinib, osimertinib), and anti-angiogenesis monoclonal antibodies (e.g., bevacizumab and ramucirumab).

High thromboembolic event rate in patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer during neoadjuvant therapy. An exploratory analysis of the prospective, randomised intergroup phase III trial SAKK 75/08

Background

High rates of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), mainly in advanced disease, are reported for patients with cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract (stomach, pancreas) and for treatment with cisplatin.

Methods

Exploratory analysis of VTEs reported as adverse events and serious adverse events in a prospective, randomised, multicentre, multimodal phase III trial according to VTEs reported as adverse events and severe adverse events. Patients with resectable oesophageal cancer (T2N1–3, T3-4aNx) were randomized to 2 cycles of chemotherapy with docetaxel 75 mg/m², cisplatin 75 mg/m² followed by chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) and subsequent surgery (control arm) or the same treatment with addition of cetuximab (investigational arm).

Results

VTEs occurred in 26 of 300 patients included in the trial, resulting in an incidence rate (IR) of 8.7% [95% CI 5.7–12.4%]. A total of 29 VTEs were reported:13 (45%) VTEs were grade 2, 13 (45%) grade 3 and three (10%) fatal grade 5 events. 72% (21/29) of all VTEs occurred preoperatively (IR 6.7%): 14% (4/29) during chemotherapy and 59% (17/29) during CRT. In multivariable logistic regression only adenocarcinoma (IR 11.1%, 21/189 patients) compared to squamous cell cancer (IR 4.5%, 5/111 patients) was significantly associated with VTE-risk during treatment, OR 2.9 [95%CI 1.0–8.4], p = 0.046. Baseline Khorana risk score was 0 in 73% (19/26), 1–2 in 23% (6/26) and 3 in only 4% (1/26) of patients with VTEs.

Conclusion

A high incidence of VTEs during preoperative therapy of resectable oesophageal cancer is observed in this analysis, especially in patients with adenocarcinoma. The role of prophylactic anticoagulation during neoadjuvant therapy in resectable esophageal cancer should be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials. According to our data, which are in line with other analysis of VTE-risk in patients with oesophageal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy and CRT, prophylactic anticoagluation could be considered balanced against individual bleeding risks, especially in patients with adenocarcinoma. In addition to the established risk factors, oesophageal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant cisplatin-based therapy may be regarded as a high-risk situation for VTEs.

Trial registration

Registered at clinicaltrials.gov,NCT01107639, on 21 April 2010,

Characteristics of Symptomatic Pulmonary Thromboembolism among Postoperative and Hospitalized Patients

Backgrounds: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is severe complication which may arise during all medical service. The purpose of this study is to evaluate inpatient symptomatic PTE.

Materials and Methods: From 2005 to 2016, we experienced 75 symptomatic PTE patients among 600 venous thromboembolism patients. According to the place of occurrence, patients were divided to inpatient group and outpatient group. We further divided inpatient group to surgical group and non-surgical group.

Results: Inpatients group, 38 had PTE (surgical: 23, non-surgical: 15). Outpatients group, 37 had PTE (with medical practice: 22, without medical practice: 15). Severity of PTE were follows; cardiac arrest 2, massive 13, sub-massive 18, non-massive 42. In surgical group, anticoagulation had been used in 3/23 (13.6%), intermittent pneumatic compression had been used in 16/23 (72.9%), compression stockings had been used in 20/23 (90.9%). In non-surgical group, no anticoagulation had not been used, intermittent pneumatic compression had been used in 2/15 (13.3%), compression stockings had been used in 2/15 (13.3%).

Conclusion: As PTE prophylaxis, anticoagulation had been scarcely used in surgical group. Delayed anticoagulation may decrease symptomatic PTE in surgical patients. Despite adequate prophylaxis, PTE cannot be prevented completely. Medical staff and patients should recognize the risk of PTE together. (This is a translation of Jpn J Phlebol 2018; 29(1): 33–40.)

Retrospective analysis of patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer in Colombia

Aims: To assess patient and disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and associated costs in patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (A/MGC) in Colombia, in both the public and private hospitals. Materials and methods: A total of 145 patients who had received first-line chemotherapy treatment (platinum analog and/or a fluoropyrimidine) and were followed for at least 3 months after the last administration of a first-line cytotoxic agent were eligible for inclusion. Case-report forms were elaborated based on the patients' medical records from three Colombian hospitals. Estimates of treatment costs were calculated using unit costs from the participating hospitals. Results: Of the 145 patients, more than half (64.83%) were male, 79.56% were diagnosed with metastatic stage IV disease (mean age = 58.14 years). Prior to MGC diagnosis, 31.71% of the patients being operated on received a total gastrectomy; 66.9% of the patients received a doublet therapy, of which 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with cisplatin was the standard treatment (14%), followed by combination with leucovorin (12%). Only around 10% of the patients responded to first-line treatment. Out of 41.38% of the patients who received a second-line treatment, 71.67% were still administered a platinum analog and/or fluoropyrimidine. During the follow-up period, 52% of the patients progressed and 20% achieved stable disease. Best supportive care mostly consisted of outpatient visits after last line-therapy (72.41%), palliative radiotherapy (18.6%), and surgery (37.2%). Limitations and conclusions: Gastric cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related death in Colombia, as most of the patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when prognosis is poor. Treatment patterns are highly heterogeneous. Second-line treatments were mostly initiated with paclitaxel, capecitabine, irinotecan, or cisplatin.

Increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in lung cancer survivors: A Korean nationwide study of 20,458 patients

OBJECTIVES

With advances in lung cancer treatments, the number of lung cancer survivors has increased. As cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are some of the major causes of non-cancer deaths, CVD management is an integral part of cancer survivorship care. However, there is sparsity of data on cardiovascular risk in lung cancer survivors who underwent lung cancer surgery. We aimed to compare the incidence of CVD between lung cancer survivors and the general non-cancer population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database, we selected 20,458 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer between 2007 and 2013. Study outcome variables were coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS), and death. Patients were followed until 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 20,458 lung cancer patients undergoing lung cancer surgery were compared to 27,321 non-cancer control subjects. Lung cancer survivors showed a greater risk for all cardiovascular (CV) events (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.36), CHD (aHR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.16-1.36), and IS (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were associated with an increased risk of CV events, CHD, and MI. Lung cancer survivors who were CV event-free for one year, and up to three years, were still at a higher risk for all CV events compared to the non-cancer control population.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer survivors showed an increased risk of CHD and IS compared with the general non-cancer population. Therefore, paying careful attention to cardiovascular risk in lung cancer survivors is suggested, especially for those who receive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, in order to ensure both early and long-term survivorship.

An unusual cause of paraesthesia in a neo-adjuvant gastro-oesophageal cancer

There is ongoing debate about the best neo-adjuvant strategy for localised resectable oesophageal cancer, however chemotherapy is often employed. Both oesophageal cancer and cisplatin carry an increased risk of thrombosis. Here, we look at an unusual finding in a previously fit woman who presented following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for resectable oesophageal cancer with increasing difficulty in walking and lower limb paraesthesia. This case looks particularly at the diagnostic challenge and concerns raised in a patient undergoing radical treatment as well as the challenge of complications secondary to treatment with chemotherapy. Willingness to reassess and revisit is a vital part of the diagnostic process. Vascular complications of a disease can be notorious to diagnose and, as in this case can mimic arguably more logical diagnoses. Cancer care provides the unique challenge of investigating unusual presentations related both to disease and treatment.

Novel Aspects of Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

The establishment of prothrombotic states during cancer progression is well reported but the precise mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. A number of studies have implicated the presence of the clotting initiator protein, tissue factor (TF), in circulating tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) with thrombotic manifestations in certain cancer types. Tumor cells, as well as tumor-derived EVs, may activate and promote platelet aggregation by TF-dependent and independent pathways. Cancer cells and their secreted EVs may also facilitate the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which may contribute to thrombus development. Alternatively, the presence of polyphosphate (polyP) in tumor-derived EVs may promote thrombosis through a TF-independent route. We conclude that the contribution of EVs to cancer coagulopathy is quite complex, in which one or more mechanisms may take place in a certain cancer type. In this context, strategies that could attenuate the crosstalk between the proposed pro-hemostatic routes could potentially reduce cancer-associated thrombosis.

Intensive care for patients with gastric cancers: outcome and survival prognostic factors

Background

Admission and management of patients with solid malignancies in intensive care unit (ICU) is a controversial topic. To this day, there is no data published concerning patients with gastric cancers hospitalized in ICU. This single center retrospective study reports the characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors of patients hospitalized in ICU for medical reasons over a period of 10 years.

Methods

We performed a single center retrospective study which reports the characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors of patients hospitalized in ICU for medical reasons over a period of 10 years.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were included, among whom 24 (64.9%) had metastatic cancer. The most frequent diagnosis on admission was septic shock (48.6%) and 24 patients (64.9%) required intubation. Ten patients (27.0%) were alive 3 months after their admission in ICU. Metastatic cancer and intubation were independently associated with a higher risk of dying within 3 months of admission in multivariate analysis: odds ratio (OR) =13.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7-108 (P<0.01). Seventeen patients (45.9%) died during their ICU stay. Metastatic cancer: OR =89; 95% CI, 2.7-6,588, therapeutic intensification: OR =1,471; 95% CI, 9.8-811,973 and the logistic organ dysfunction score (LODS) on admission: OR =1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3 were independently associated with mortality within the ICU in multivariate analysis (P<0.01).

Conclusions

This is the first study that examines the outcome and prognostic factors of patients with gastric cancers who require life-sustaining therapy in ICU. The identification of 3 months and ICU mortality prognostic factors could contribute to guiding clinicians in the management of these patients and assist health professionals in their discussions with these patients and their families.

Chemotherapy regimen is associated with venous thromboembolism risk in patients with urothelial tract cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with different chemotherapy regimens in patients with urothelial tract cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified patients aged ≥66 years, diagnosed with urothelial tract cancer in the period 1998 to 2011 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Medicare-linked database. The chemotherapy regimens analysed were gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC), methotrexate/vinblastine/doxorubicin/cisplatin (MVAC), or gemcitabine/carboplatin (CarboG). Propensity scores for treatment regimen based on comorbidities, tumour characteristics, age, and year of diagnosis were calculated. VTE rates within 120 days of chemotherapy initiation were calculated. VTE risk stratified by chemotherapy regimen was modelled using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for treatment propensity scores and additional demographic characteristics. Overall survival stratified by VTE and chemotherapy regimen was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Of 5594 identified patients, a VTE occurred in 13.0%. The VTE rates within 120 days of chemotherapy initiation were 15.3% for GC, 8.7% for MVAC, and 12.0% for CarboG. On multivariable analysis, MVAC (odds ratio [OR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.94) and CarboG (OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59-0.85) were associated with lower VTE risk compared with GC. VTE was associated with worse overall survival (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with GC, MVAC and CarboG were associated with a lower rate of VTE. This finding suggests that gemcitabine may add to the increased thrombosis risk from cisplatin. Additionally, patients with a VTE had worse survival outcomes than those without a VTE. Analysis of the risk of blood clots with different chemotherapy regimens in patients with urothelial tract cancer showed that GC was associated with the highest rate. We also found that blood clots were associated with worse patient outcomes.

Risk of Thrombosis in Cancer: Clinical Factors and Role of Primary Prophylaxis

Cancer and its treatments are commonly complicated by venous thromboembolism (VTE), but there is a substantial variation in risk between individual cancer patients. The risk of VTE in cancer patients is influenced by multiple risk factors including primary site of cancer, stage, comorbidities, use of specific antineoplastic agents. Several biomarkers have been associated with subsequent VTE including D-dimer and tissue factor, although no single risk factor or biomarker accurately is predictive of VTE on its own. The risk of VTE is best predicted by a validated risk assessment score. Cancer patients at risk of VTE benefit from thromboprophylaxis, supported by evidence in the setting of hospitalization for acute medical illness and surgery, and emerging data from two large randomized trials in the outpatient setting. This chapter focuses on approaches to identifying risk of VTE and approaches to reducing this risk with appropriate thromboprophylaxis.

Thrombosis and Hemostasis in Cancer. Scope of the Problem and Overview

"The frequent concurrence of phlegmasia alba dolens with an appreciable cancerous tumor, led me to the inquiry whether a relationship of cause and effect did not exist between the two, and whether the phlegmasia was not the consequence of the cancerous cachexia." (translated from the original French). This famous quote, delivered in a lecture by Armand Trousseau in 1865, is widely recognized as the initial and insightful understanding of the relationship of thrombosis and cancer.Although the association of thrombosis with cancer has been recognized for over 150 years, only recently has there been meaningful advances in our understanding of the relationship. Contemporary translational research tools have greatly enhanced our understanding the unique aspects of the pathophysiology of the relationship; how cancer cells exploit multiple aspects of the coagulation system for primary and metastatic growth leading, leading to an increased thrombotic risk. Further, there has been a growing appreciation of the complexity of the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis. The superiority of low molecular weight heparin over warfarin, published in 2003, represented the first important divergence from the approach to management of thrombosis in the non-cancer population. With the introduction of the new generation of anticoagulants, the direct oral anticoagulants, there has been continued evolution of management guidelines.This text presents a much needed and comprehensive update of the field of thrombosis and hemostasis in cancer. We are fortunate to have so many leading authorities contribute their expertise and insight into this work. In the following chapters, the reader will find insight and guidance that will enhance scholarship, as well as patient care.

Treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: What news from clinical trials?

About 15% of patients with cancer experience one or more episodes of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the course of their disease. In patients with cancer, VTE has a substantial impact on the quality of life and care. Current guidelines recommend low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as first choice therapy for long-term anticoagulation in cancer patients with VTE. However, there are several practical issues concerning the long-term use of these anticoagulants. In the last years, several direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as alternatives to heparins and vitamin K antagonists for the treatment of VTE, but data regarding both efficacy and safety of DOACs in the subgroup of patients with cancer treatments were limited. The results of two studies evaluating the clinical benefit of treatment of VTE with direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cancer have been recently presented. Several studies comparing DOACs with LMWH are currently ongoing.

Arterial thrombosis and cancer

Cancer-associated arterial thrombotic events (ATEs) are increasingly recognized in specific malignancies and in association with the expanding armamentarium of novel chemotherapeutic agents. The improved cancer survival led to cardiovascular complications becoming clinically relevant many years after cancer diagnosis. The pathobiology of ATEs in cancer is complex and the individual patient risk for an ATE entails a multifactorial interaction between the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, the specific malignancy and selected therapy. Treatment with several specific chemotherapeutic agents, immunomodulatory drugs, vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and radiotherapy, impart increased risk for ATEs that result from specific therapy-related mechanisms, often involving endothelial injury. Cancer cell-specific prothrombotic properties are important players in the pathogenesis of cancer-associated hypercoagulability. There are distinct biological and molecular processes preferentially activated in specific cancer cells which can trigger ATEs, including platelet activation, increased expression of procoagulants and suppression of fibrinolytic activity. ATEs portend adverse prognosis in cancer patients. Prevention and treatment of cancer-associated ATEs may be improved by greater awareness and careful monitoring for vascular toxicity, aggressive effort to optimize conventional cardiovascular risk factors, and use of antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents in selected patients. These issues are targets for future studies aimed to reduce ATEs in patients with cancer.

Real-world features associated with cancer-related venous thromboembolic events

Background

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 1–2/1000 individuals. Patients with cancer, especially during chemotherapy, are at enhanced risk, but real-world data on factors associated with VTE events are still scarce.

Aim

The aim of this retrospective study was to survey the incidence of VTE based on a large hospital database, and to identify comorbidities and features associated with VTE events. We focused on cancer-related VTE events and on factors indicating increased VTE risk during chemotherapy.

Methods

The cohort included patients treated at Turku University Hospital during years 2005–2013. Health information was derived and analysed from multiple electronic databases. The diagnoses of VTE and all comorbidities, including type of cancer, were based on International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision coding. For further analysis, we focused on 16 common types of cancers treated with chemotherapy. Age, gender, surgery, radiotherapy, distant metastasis, available laboratory values and platinum-based chemotherapy were evaluated for VTE group, and associations were estimated by Cox regression analyses.

Results

The entire database contained information from 495 089 patients, of whom 5452 (1.1%) had a VTE diagnosis. Among individuals with VTE, 1437 (26.4%) had diagnosis of coronary heart disease and 1467 (26.9%) had cancer diagnosis. Among 7778 patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy, 282 (3.6%) had a VTE, platinum-based chemotherapy being a major risk factor (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.24, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, elevated blood neutrophil counts (>3.25×10⁹ cells/L, HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.89, p<0.001) and plasma creatinine (>62.5 μmol/L; HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.13, p=0.001) values were independent indicators of increased VTE risk during chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Longitudinal electronic health record analysis provides a powerful tool to gather meaningful real-world information to study clinical associations, like comorbidities, and to identify markers associated with VTE. The combination of various clinical and laboratory variables could be used for VTE risk evaluation and targeted prevention.

Predictive factors of thromboembolic complications in patients with esophagogatric adenocarcinoma undergoing preoperative chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Thromboembolic events (TEEs) represent a significant treatment and disease complication for cancer patients. In the present study we assessed the incidence of TEEs in patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. The risk factors for TEE development and their impact on prognosis were further analyzed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data from 590 patients with esophagogastric adenocarcinoma, who received preoperative epirubicin-cisplatin with capecitabine (ECX) or 5-fluorouracil (ECF) between 2009 and 2016 in three UK hospitals were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-one percent had stomach primary and 98% received ECX chemotherapy. In total, 52 patients (9%) had a venous and 22 (4%) an arterial event. Of those patients with venous TEEs (vTTEs), 39 had pulmonary embolism and 13 deep vein thrombosis, whereas in patients with arterial TEEs (arTTEs), 7 developed a myocardial infarct, 8 developed limb ischemia, 4 developed cerebrovascular accidents and 3 developed superior mesenteric artery thrombosis. ArTEEs were associated with a much higher inoperability rate compared to cases without TEE or with vTEE (77% vs. 20% vs. 31%, respectively, p < .001). Independent risk factors of vTEEs were primary site being the stomach (Odds ratio [OR] 3.24, 95%CI 1.72-6.12, p < .001), being overweight (OR 3.11, 95%CI 1.33-7.26, p = .009) or obese (OR 4.52, 95%CI 1.85-11.09, p = .001) and the presence of central venous access device (OR 3.40, 95%CI 1.00-11.55, p = .050). In contrast, anticoagulant treatment was independently associated with a lower risk of vTEE (OR 0.22, 95%CI 0.06-0.83, p = .026). Khorana score of 4-5 was an independent risk factor of arTEE (OR 6.38, 95%CI 1.85-22.04, p = .003). Finally, arTEEs were an independent poor prognostic factor for OS, when adjusted for baseline patient, tumor and treatment characteristics (Hazard ratio 3.02, 95%CI 1.85-4.95, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative ECX/ECF chemotherapy for patients with resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma was associated with relatively high incidence of TEEs. However, only arTEEs affected patient survival outcomes.

Incidence of venous thromboembolism following the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen for epithelial type of ovarian cancer

This study aims to analyze the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).A retrospective audit was conducted examining 147 patients treated for EOC. Surgical treatment with curative intent, with or without NACT and adjuvant chemotherapy, is the treatment approach, which was modified according to the patient's condition. The incidence of VTE with the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen, carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, and others were evaluated.This study found a 13.6% incidence of VTE in patients undergoing therapy with curative intent for EOC. No association was seen between NACT and VTE compared to VTE after standard treatment: 2/16 (12.5%) vs 5/131 (3.8%) (P = .16). Univariate and multivariate analyses also demonstrated that NACT has no risk for VTE with odds ratio (OR) = 0.89 (95% CI = 0.18-4.28) and P = 1. Results did not vary significantly with the type of chemotherapy used. Furthermore, increased incidence of VTE as an incidental finding supports the well-established role of malignancy in VTE occurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that VTE occurred more frequently in menopausal women than nonmenopausal women (17.9% vs 5.8%) with OR = 3.55 (95% CI = 0.99-12.78) and P = .04 in patients aged ≥60 (19.3% vs 10%) with OR = 2.15 (95% CI = 0.83-5.57) and P = .13 but is not statistically significant.We conclude that NACT has no association with VTE and the currently used common chemotherapeutic drug combinations for ovarian cancer carry the minimal risk of thromboembolic events.

The risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters in ambulant cancer patients

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). PICCs are increasingly utilised in the management of cancer patients, a group which carries both additional risks for vascular thromboembolism as well as for complex morbidity. We analysed a cohort of cancer patients subjected to PICC insertion in a single cancer centre for the incidence of all-type vascular thromboembolism (VTE) and investigated relative risk factors.

Methods

In this clinical audit, the records of patients referred for PICC insertion in our centre in the period between 1/1/2011 and 1/4/2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes investigated were a) PICC-related deep vein thrombosis (PRDVT) and b) distant VTE (lower limb DVT and pulmonary embolism). 4Fr single lumen PICCs were placed in all patients. The Kaplan Meier method was used to study time from PICC insertion to PRDVT/VTE. Survival curves were compared using the log rank method. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to assess local, distant and combined endpoints.

Results

Four hundred ninety patients were included in the analysis of which 27 (5.5%) developed a PRDVT. Statistically significant risk factors for developing PRDVT in multivariate analysis included more than one attempt for insertion (OR 2.61, 95%CI: 1.12–6.05) and the use of fluoropyrimidine containing chemotherapy (OR 4.27, 95%CI 1.3–14.07). Twenty-six patients developed a distant VTE. Male gender was the only significant risk factor for distant VTE. When all-type VTE were considered together fluoropyrimidine containing chemotherapy (OR 4.54, 95% CI 1.63–12.61), male gender (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.04–3.93) and white cell count (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00–1.26) were statistically significant as risk factors in this analysis.

Conclusions

This is a large study of VTE following PICC insertion in cancer patients which also looks at the rate of distant VTE. The observed PRDVT incidence is comparable with available literature. Fluoropyrimidine containing chemotherapy and more than one attempt for PICC insertion were independent predictors of PICC-associated VTE whilst the former remained an independent predictor of all-type VTE. Anticoagulation did not prevent thrombotic events in this cohort.

Characterisation and risk assessment of venous thromboembolism in gastrointestinal cancers

AIM

To characterise venous thromboembolism (VTE) in gastrointestinal cancer and assess the clinical utility of risk stratification scoring.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis using electronic patient records of 910 gastro-oesophageal (GO) cancer and 1299 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients referred to a tertiary cancer centre to identify the incidence of VTE, its relationship to chemotherapy and impact on survival. VTE risk scores were calculated using the Khorana index. Patients were classified as low risk (0 points), intermediate risk (1 to 2 points) or high risk (3 points). Data was analysed to determine the sensitivity of the Khorana score to predict VTE.

RESULTS

The incidence of VTE was 8.9% for CRC patients and 9.7% for GO cancer patients. Pulmonary emboli (PE) were more common in advanced than in localised CRC (50% vs 21% of events respectively) and lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were more common in localised than in advanced CRC (62% vs 39% of events respectively). The median time to VTE from cancer diagnosis was 8.3 mo for CRC patients compared to 6.7 mo in GO cancer. In localised CRC median time to VTE was 7.1 mo compared with 10.1 mo in advanced CRC. In contrast in GO cancer, the median time to VTE was 12.5 mo in localised disease and 6.8 mo in advanced disease. No survival difference was seen between patients with and without VTE in this cohort. The majority of patients with CRC in whom VTE was diagnosed had low or intermediate Khorana risk score (94% for localised and 97% in advanced CRC). In GO cancer, all patients scored either intermediate or high risk due to the primary site demonstrating a limitation of the risk assessment score in discriminating high and low risk patients with GO cancers. Additional risk factors were identified in this cohort including surgery, chemotherapy or hospital admission. Overall, 81% of patients with CRC and 77% of patients with GO cancer had one or more of these factors within 4 wk prior to diagnosis VTE. These should be factored into clinical risk assessment scores.

CONCLUSION

The Khorana score has low sensitivity for thrombotic events in CRC and cannot discriminate low risk patients in high risk cancer sites such as GO cancer.

Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Patients With Locoregional Urothelial Tract Tumors

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in cancer patients, but there is limited data on patients with urothelial tract tumors (UTT). We previously identified several associative factors for increased VTE rates in patients with metastatic UTT. In this study, we assessed the frequency, associative factors, and impact on survival of VTE in patients with locoregional UTT.

METHODS

Patients with locoregional bladder, upper urinary tract, or urethral cancer were included in this multi-center study from 29 academic institutions. Patients with < cT2, > N1, or M1 disease at diagnosis were excluded. Patients with incomplete clinical staging or miscoded/missing data were excluded. Cumulative, unadjusted VTE incidence was calculated from time of diagnosis of muscle-invasive disease, excluding VTEs diagnosed in the metastatic setting. χ2 statistics tested differences in VTE rates across baseline and treatment-related factors. Significant covariates were incorporated into a multivariate, logistic regression model. Overall survival stratified by VTE was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and evaluated using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 1732 patients were eligible. There were 132 (7.6%) VTEs. On multivariate analysis, non-urothelial histology (P < .001), clinical Nx stage (P < .001), cardiovascular disease (P = .01), and renal dysfunction (P = .04) were statistically significant baseline factors associated with VTE. Using surgery alone as reference, surgery with perioperative chemotherapy (P = .04) and radiation with concurrent chemotherapy (P = .04) also were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The VTE incidence of 7.6% in locoregional disease is comparable with our previously reported rate in the metastatic setting (8.2%). Similar to our findings in metastatic UTT, non-urothelial histology, renal dysfunction, and CVD was associated with increased VTE risk.

Capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil and S-1 based regimens for previously untreated advanced oesophagogastric cancer: A network meta-analysis

As evidence is inconsistent and based on either isolated Asian or Western studies, we conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to examine efficacy and safety of 5-FU (5-fluorouracil), capecitabine and S-1-based first-line treatment of advanced esophagogastric cancer in Asian and Western patients. Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL and conferences ASCO and ESMO were searched up to January 2016 for randomized-controlled-trials comparing 5-FU, capecitabine or S-1-based regimens with equal chemotherapy backbones. Direct and indirect data for overall survival (OS) and progression-free-survival (PFS) were combined on the Hazard Ratio (HR)-scale using random-effects NMA and calculated as combined HRs and 95%credible intervals (95%CrI). Grade 1-2 and grade 3-4 adverse events were compared with pair-wise meta-analysis. Fifteen studies were identified including capecitabine (n = 945), 5-FU (n = 2,132) or S-1 (n = 1,636). No differences were found in respectively OS and PFS for capecitabine-based versus 5-FU-based regimens (HR = 0.89, 95%CrI = 0.76-1.04 and HR = 0.98, 95%CrI = 0.75-1.32), S-1-based versus 5-FU-based regimens (HR = 0.92, 95%CrI = 0.82-1.04 and HR = 0.88, 95%CrI = 0.70-1.11) and S-1-based versus capecitabine-based regimens (HR = 1.03, 95%CrI = 0.87-1.22 and HR = 0.89, 95%CrI = 0.65-1.20). Effects were similar in Asian and Western subgroups. Toxicity profiles were different but a lower frequency of relevant adverse events was observed with S-1 In conclusion, as efficacy was similar, choosing fluoropyrimidines should be based on their individual toxicity profiles.

Phase I study of orally administered S-1 in combination with epirubicin and oxaliplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors and chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer

BACKGROUND

This phase I study investigated the safety and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the oral fluoropyrimidine S-1 when combined with epirubicin and oxaliplatin (EOS).

METHODS

Patients aged ≥18 years with advanced or metastatic solid tumors were enrolled in a 3 + 3 design with S-1 dose escalation (two planned cohorts) performed according to the occurrence of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). On day 1 of each 21-day cycle, patients received epirubicin 50 mg/m² followed by oxaliplatin 130 mg/m² (maximum 8 cycles) and then S-1 [20 mg/m² (cohort 1) or 25 mg/m² (cohort 2), twice daily]: first dose, evening of day 1; subsequent administration on days 2-14, twice daily; last dose, morning of day 15 (unlimited number of S-1 cycles). After protocol amendment, enrollment in a third cohort was restricted to patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer.

RESULTS

DLT was reported for two of the five patients in cohort 2, defining 20 mg/m² twice daily as the MTD of S-1 combined with epirubicin and oxaliplatin in heavily pretreated patients. Thirteen patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer were subsequently enrolled and treated at an S-1 dose level of 25 mg/m² twice daily; no DLTs were reported; median overall survival was 13.1 months. Of the 11 evaluable patients, three (27 %) had partial responses and seven (64 %) had stable disease. The safety profile was in line with expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

The promising activity of EOS (S-1 dose level, 25 mg/m² twice daily) and acceptable safety profile support further clinical development of this combination for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic esophagogastric cancer.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with esophageal or gastric cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy

There is a well-established link between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE), and patients receiving chemotherapy for esophageal or gastric cancer appear at high risk of developing VTE. The incidence of VTE in the neoadjuvant setting in these patients is poorly understood, as is the role for thromboprophylaxis during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A PubMed search was conducted using a combination of terms including; esophageal & gastric cancer, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), VTE, neoadjuvant, chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. One hundred and fifty-four articles were retrieved and a narrative review was conducted. For patients with esophageal and gastric cancer the incidence of VTE ranged from 4 to 19%. Gastric cancer (Odds Ratio [OR] 6.38, [95% CI: 1.96-20.80]) and Stage III/IV disease, (OR 5.16 [95% CI: 1.29-20.73]) were identified as risk factors for developing VTE. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was identified as an independent risk factor for developing VTE. Symptomatic and asymptomatic VTE have a similar effect on mortality. Median overall survival for asymptomatic VTE was 13.9 months (95% CI: 5.0-∞) versus 12.8 months (95% CI: 4.7-30.3) if the VTE was symptomatic. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a significant risk factor for VTE in patients with esophageal and gastric cancer. Intervention to minimize the risk using pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylaxis should be considered, and this should start in the neoadjuvant period.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in cancer patients treated with Cisplatin based chemotherapy - a cohort study

Background

Cancer related thrombosis not only increases morbidity and mortality but also poses a significant financial burden on health care system. Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in these patients substantially increases with the addition of chemotherapy. Lately, cisplatin has been implicated as an independent factor. There is little data estimating the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients receiving cisplatin based chemotherapy when compared to other chemotherapeutic agents.

Methods

Patients who had received chemotherapy between November 2010 and October 2012 were retrospectively identified from a single institute cancer registry. 200 patients who had received cisplatin based chemotherapy were identified as the exposed group while 200 patients who had received non-Cisplatin based regimens were identified as the non-exposed group. Patients were followed for development of VTE throughout the entire duration of therapy and one month thereafter. Cox proportional hazard model was used to compute relative risks with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. Mean age for the entire cohort was 55.4 ± 10.7 years and male to female ratio was almost 1:1. On univariate analysis, cisplatin based chemotherapy, presence of central venous catheter, female gender, poor performance status, high risk stratification according to the Khorana model and use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor were all significantly associated with the development of VTE. The crude relative risk for the incidence of VTE in cisplatin group was 2.8 (95% CI, 1.4 – 4.2) times compared to the non-Cisplatin group. When the relative risk was adjusted for the above variables in multivariable analysis, it increased to 3.3 (95% CI, 1.6 – 6.8) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

A high incidence of VTE in patients receiving cisplatin based chemotherapy was demonstrated in this study. Prospective studies are warranted to establish this observation with certainty and to explore the possible use of thromboprophylaxis in patients receiving cisplatin based chemotherapeutic regimens.

Cancer associated thrombosis: risk factors and outcomes

Deep vein thrombosis of the leg and pulmonary embolism are frequent diseases and cancer is one of their most important risk factors. Patients with cancer also have a higher prevalence of venous thrombosis located in other parts than in the legs and/or in unusual sites including upper extremity, splanchnic or cerebral veins. Cancer also affects the risk of arterial thrombotic events particularly in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor recipients. Several risk factors need to interact to trigger thrombosis. In addition to common risk factors such as surgery, hospitalisation, infection and genetic coagulation disorders, the thrombotic risk is also driven and modified by cancer-specific factors including type, histology, and stage of the malignancy, cancer treatment and certain biomarkers. A venous thrombotic event in a cancer patient has serious consequences as the risk of recurrent thrombosis, the risk of bleeding during anticoagulation and hospitalisation rates are all increased. Survival of cancer patients with thrombosis is worse compared to that of cancer patients without thrombosis, and thrombosis is a leading direct cause of death in cancer patients.

Venous thromboembolism in metastatic urothelial carcinoma or variant histologies: incidence, associative factors, and effect on survival

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in cancer patients. However, little is known about VTE risk in metastatic urothelial carcinoma or variant histologies (UC/VH). We sought to characterize the incidence, associative factors, including whether various chemotherapy regimens portend different risk, and impact of VTE on survival in metastatic UC/VH patients. Patients diagnosed with metastatic UC/VH from 2000 to 2013 were included in this multicenter retrospective, international study from 29 academic institutions. Cumulative and 6‐month VTE incidence rates were determined. The association of first‐line chemotherapy (divided into six groups) and other baseline characteristics on VTE were analyzed. Each chemotherapy treatment group and statistically significant baseline clinical characteristics were assessed in a multivariate, competing‐risk regression model. VTE patients were matched to non‐VTE patients to determine the impact of VTE on overall survival. In all, 1762 patients were eligible for analysis. There were 144 (8.2%) and 90 (5.1%) events cumulative and within the first 6 months, respectively. VTE rates based on chemotherapy group demonstrated no statistical difference when gemcitabine/cisplatin was used as the comparator. Non‐urotheilal histology (SHR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.72–4.16, P < 0.001), moderate to severe renal dysfunction (SHR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.26–3.59, P = 0.005), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or CVD risk factors (SHR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.49–3.45, P = 0.001) were associated with increased VTE rates. Overall survival was worse in patients with VTE (median 6.0 m vs. 10.2 m, P < 0.001). Thus, in metastatic UC/VH patients, VTE is common and has a negative impact on survival. We identified multiple associated potential risk factors, although different chemotherapy regimens did not alter risk.

Low rates of symptomatic venous thromboembolism in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: an Iranian study

: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which mostly includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. As little is known about VTE associated with gastrointestinal cancers among the populations in the Middle East. This study aimed to determine the relative frequency of symptomatic VTE in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies in Iran. The charts of patients with gastrointestinal cancers in our institute from April 2010 to March 2015 were investigated for symptomatic VTE in a retrospective study. In this study, all of the patients received chemotherapy. The data included the site of cancer, time of therapies initiation, patient's characteristics, type of VTE, the time of developing symptomatic VTE of patients with gastrointestinal cancer and the stage which VTE occurred. All of DVTs and pulmonary embolism were confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography. A total of 614 consecutive patients with gastrointestinal cancer were included in study. In total, 22 patients (3.6%) were found to have experienced symptomatic VTE (confidence interval 95%: 2.1-5.1%) which included: 19 patients who suffered from DVT and three of them detected pulmonary embolism, and other types of VTE were not reported. Out of 22 patients with VTE, 17 of them have been occurred after chemotherapy (77%) within 6.17 ± 5.17 (range, 1-19) month after starting chemotherapy. The distribution of frequency of stage in which the VTE occurred, was more in stage III and IV. The rate of symptomatic VTE in patients with gastrointestinal cancer in Iran is relatively lower than other studies done in the west. Therefore, it seems the rate of VTE differs in different ethnic groups.

Clinical, Histological and Prognosis Correlations in Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastric Cancer

Purpose The study authors have proposed to highlight the main epidemiologic and prognostic aspects of digestive malignancies in the Dolj county population, justifying the need for permanent and detailed estimate of this phenomenon. Methods The authors of the study have proposed to outline a descriptive epidemiological panel, characteristic for the population groups at risk of developing gastric cancers and establishing clinical factors (tumor location, disease stage, type of surgery) and histological factors (histopathological type, degree of tumor differentiation) with prognostic significance having as landmark, survival rate at 5 years or disease-free survival of 5 years. Results The study was conducted on a sample of 458 patients with gastric tumors endoscopically detected, histologically confirmed and treated between 2000-2010. The epidemiological study allowed us to outline the descriptive epidemiological panel characteristic for the group of patients at risk of developing gastric cancer. Analysis of correlation between clinical parameters and histopathological parameters reached statistical threshold in multivariate statistical analysis of the localization of tumor, disease stage and histological type (p <0.0001) and the degree of differentiation of gastric carcinomas (p <0.005). Multivariate statistical analysis has detected statistically significant differences in terms of survival rate at 5 years (p> 0.001) and free interval of disease at 5 years (p> 0.001), depending on the location of the tumor, correlated with other clinical factors (disease stage, type of surgery) and histological factors (histopathological type, tumor differentiation grade), which allowed us to outline clinical, histological and prognostic groups. Conclusions Defining the clinical, histological and prognostic groups, allows an accurate assessment of patient prognosis from the time of randomization and initiation of treatment, type of surgery in advanced loco-regional, reconverted to operability, after neoadjuvant polychemotherapy being dictated by the location of the tumor (1/3 superior vs. 1 / 3 medium vs. 1/3 lower stomach).

Cerebral ischemic events in patients with pancreatic cancer: A retrospective cohort study of 17 patients and a literature review

Stroke is a dramatic complication of pancreatic cancer with mechanisms related to oncological disease. A better description of the characteristics of cerebrovascular events would help better understand the pathogeny and protect vulnerable patients. We thus conducted a descriptive analysis of clinical, biological, and radiological features of patients from our centers and literature.We reviewed consecutive cases of patients who presented cerebrovascular events and pancreatic cancer in 4 stroke units in Lorrain (France) between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2015, and all reported cases of literature. We identified 17 cases in our centers and 18 reported cases. Fifty-seven per cent of patients were male. Median age was 63 ± 14 years and ranged from 23 to 81 years. All cerebral events were ischemic. At the onset of stroke, pancreatic cancer had already been diagnosed in 59% of the patients in our centers for a mean time of 5.4 months. Five of them (29%) were being treated with gemcitabine and 2 (12%) with folfirinox. Adenocarcinoma at metastatic stage was reported in 82% of cases overall. Brain imaging revealed disseminated infarctions in 64%. High median levels of D-dimer (7600 ± 5 × 10 μg/L), C-reactive protein (63 ± 43 mg/L), and elevated prothrombin time (19 ± 6 seconds) were found. Thirty-six per cent of patients explored with echocardiography were diagnosed with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Ten of our patients received anticoagulant therapy as secondary stroke prevention without any documented recurrence. Nevertheless, outcome was poor with a median survival time of 28 ± 14 days after stroke onset. Cerebral ischemic events occur at advanced stages of pancreatic cancer, most likely by a thromboembolic mechanism. Disseminated infarctions and high D-dimer, C-reactive protein levels, and a high prothrombin time are the most constant characteristics found in this context. All patients should be screened for nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis as this etiology supports the use of anticoagulant therapy.