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Updated: Mar 12, 2026
Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
Pretreatment thrombocytosis as a significant prognostic factor in malignant mesothelioma: a meta-analysis
Yi Zhuo1, Lanying Lin2, Mingwei Zhang3
1a Department of Thoracic Surgery , First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University , Fuzhou , Fujian , People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
The current meta-analysis analyzed the prognostic impact of elevated platelet count before the treatment of malignant mesothelioma (MM). We performed a search for articles published up to April 15, 2016 in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science, which evaluated elevated platelet count and survival outcome of MM. STATA version 12 was used for statistical analysis. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to calculate overall effects. The assessment of heterogeneity was tested by the Cochran Q and I2 statistics. The sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the origin of heterogeneity. We analyzed 18 eligible studies (3602 patients) that evaluated the correlation between pretreatment platelet count and overall survival (OS). Elevated platelet count was a prognostic factor of poor OS, with a pooled HR of 1.56 (95% CI = 1.36-1.77). However, significant heterogeneity was observed in the included studies (I2 = 86.0%, p < 0.001). Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed to trace the origin of heterogeneity. Only the variable type (multivariable or univariate model) was traced as the origin of heterogeneity. Hence, we conducted a subgroup analysis of variable type. The HR was 1.66 (95% CI = 1.41-1.91) in the multivariable group and no significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.476). In conclusion, high pretreatment platelet count resulted in poor OS in MM. Therefore, platelet count could be an adequate and useful factor of prognosis for MM.
Insights
Elevated pretreatment platelet counts are linked to poorer survival in malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients. This finding suggests platelet count is a valuable prognostic factor for MM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer with limited prognostic indicators.
- The prognostic value of pretreatment platelet count in MM remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the prognostic impact of elevated pretreatment platelet count on overall survival (OS) in patients with malignant mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science) up to April 2016.
- Meta-analysis of 18 studies (3602 patients) using STATA, calculating pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
- Heterogeneity assessed using Cochran Q and I² statistics, with sensitivity and meta-regression analyses to identify sources of variation.
Main Results:
- Elevated pretreatment platelet count was associated with significantly poorer OS (pooled HR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.36-1.77).
- Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² = 86.0%, p < 0.001).
- Subgroup analysis revealed that multivariable models explained the heterogeneity, showing a stronger association (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.41-1.91) with no significant heterogeneity (I² = 0.0%).
Conclusions:
- High pretreatment platelet count is a significant prognostic factor for poor overall survival in malignant mesothelioma.
- Platelet count serves as an accessible and valuable prognostic biomarker for MM patients.
- Further research may refine the role of platelet count in MM risk stratification and treatment decisions.
