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Hypercoagulability after immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum in man
Blut
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Immunotherapy with Corynebacterium parvum, an immunotherapy, was studied in breast cancer patients. This treatment appears to induce or enhance blood hypercoagulability, affecting platelet counts and Fibrinopeptide A levels.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Metastatic breast cancer treatment often involves cytostatic therapy.
- Immunotherapies are explored as adjunct treatments.
- The impact of Corynebacterium parvum on hemostasis requires elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Corynebacterium parvum immunotherapy on the blood coagulation system in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
- To assess changes in specific coagulation markers following C. parvum administration.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial involving 18 patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving cytostatic therapy.
- Intravenous administration of Corynebacterium parvum on different days of the cytostatic cycle (day 15, day 1, or not at all).
- Monitoring of Fibrinopeptide A, platelet counts, prothrombin time, fibrinolytic concentration, factor VIII:C, and factor VIIIR:Ag.
Main Results:
- Fibrinopeptide A levels significantly increased within 2 hours post-C. parvum administration (p < 0.05).
- Platelet counts showed a continuous decrease across all treatment groups (p < 0.05).
- Prothrombin time, fibrinolytic concentration, factor VIII:C, and factor VIIIR:Ag remained unaffected; fibrinolytic activity showed a non-significant increase.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous administration of Corynebacterium parvum, even in small doses, appears to induce or enhance plasma hypercoagulability in humans.
- The findings suggest a potential prothrombotic effect associated with C. parvum immunotherapy in cancer patients.