Long-term outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke patients with concomitant malignancy

Patients with cancer (CP) need a different approach to acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) treatment as intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be contraindicated. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a treatment of choice for otherwise eligible patients, although the literature on its long-term outcomes in CP is limited.

Assessing outcomes of MT-treated AIS patients with concomitant malignancy in a year-long follow-up.

The study included 593 MT-treated AIS patients admitted in 2019-2021. The group was divided into CP (defined as a diagnosis of malignancy and undergoing/qualified for cancer treatment within previous 5 years) and a control group. The profile of cardiovascular risk factors, stroke severity and discharge, 90-day and 365-day outcomes were compared between the groups.

CP and controls had a similar profile of cardiovascular risk factors and comparable stroke severity. CP were less frequently treated with IVT (25.7% vs. 59.1%, p < 0.001). There were no differences between the groups in the successful reperfusion rate and occurrence of haemorrhagic complications. Discharge and 90-day outcomes were similar. CP had higher 365-day mortality (48.6% vs. 29.9%, p = 0.024) but the percentage of patients achieving good functional outcome in a year-long observation was comparable.

Treatment with MT seems beneficial for AIS patients with concomitant malignancy both in short- and long-term observation.