Risk for Arterial Thromboembolic Events (ATEs) in Patients with Advanced Urinary Tract Cancer (aUTC) Treated with...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Arterial thromboembolism (ATE) is linked to cancer and treatments, but less studied than venous thromboembolism.
• Risk factors and incidence of ATE in advanced urinary tract cancer (aUTC) require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and risk factors of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) in patients with advanced urinary tract cancer (aUTC) undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 354 aUTC patients treated with chemotherapy, primarily platinum-based.
• Defined ATEs to include peripheral arterial events, ischemic stroke, and coronary events.
• Evaluated incidence rates and risk factors, including chemotherapy type and tumor histology.

Main Results:

• 12 patients (3.4%) experienced an ATE within 3.6 months of chemotherapy initiation.
• Ischemic stroke was the most common ATE (n=7); two events were fatal.
• Perioperative chemotherapy increased ATE risk 5.55-fold; non-transitional cell carcinoma histology and tumors other than aUTC were also risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Arterial thromboembolic events are a clinically relevant complication in 4.6% of aUTC patients treated with chemotherapy.
• Perioperative chemotherapy is a significant risk factor for ATE.
• Prospective studies on prophylaxis in high-risk patient groups are warranted.