Hematological Changes Associated with Thrombotic Events in Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Exploratory Study

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Cancer-associated thrombosis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in oncology patients.
• Routine hematological parameters may reflect thrombo-inflammatory changes linked to malignancy-related thrombosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate alterations in routinely available hematological parameters in cancer patients with thrombotic events.
• To explore the potential of platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as indicators of thrombo-inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 93 patients with solid malignancies and confirmed thrombotic events.
• Analysis of hematological parameters (PLT, MPV, PDW, NLR) obtained within seven days before and after thrombotic events.
• Comparison of pre- and post-thrombotic event laboratory data using statistical methods.

Main Results:

• Platelet count (PLT) significantly decreased post-thrombosis, while mean platelet volume (MPV) showed a modest increase.
• Platelet distribution width (PDW) significantly decreased; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) showed a non-significant numerical increase.
• Venous thromboembolism was more common than arterial thrombosis; central venous catheter use correlated with specific venous thrombosis.
• An inverse correlation was found between PLT and MPV.

Conclusions:

• Routinely measured hematological parameters (PLT, MPV, PDW, NLR) exhibit measurable changes in cancer patients with thrombosis.
• These alterations may reflect thrombo-inflammatory processes associated with malignancy.
• Findings are exploratory due to retrospective design and lack of a control group; larger prospective studies are needed.