Clotting predisposition in carcinoma of the prostate

To delineate factors that might increase the risk of thromboembolic events in patients on estrogen therapy for prostatic carcinoma a study was undertaken of various coagulation parameters. A correlation was demonstrated between advanced stages of prostatic carcinoma and depression of the serum antithrombin III activity. The addition of estrogen therapy resulted in further depression. Since low levels of serum antithrombin III activity have been associated with thrombosis this observation may have clinical relevance.