[Hemorheologic changes in cancer patients]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Biophysics

Context:

• Investigated hemorheological alterations in patients with malignant tumors.
• Focused on micro- and macrorheological parameters of blood and plasma.
• Included analysis of whole blood viscosity, yield shear stress, and plasma viscosity.

Purpose:

• To assess the impact of malignant tumors on blood rheology.
• To determine the effect of patient plasma on erythrocyte deformability.
• To identify specific rheological abnormalities associated with cancer.

Summary:

• Whole blood viscosity was largely normal, but yield shear stress and plasma viscosity were frequently abnormal.
• Patient plasma significantly impaired erythrocyte deformability, leading to elevated red cell transit time.
• Seven patients exhibited normal erythrocyte deformability in buffer but abnormal function in their own plasma.

Impact:

• Highlights the role of plasma in cancer-associated hemorheological changes.
• Suggests impaired erythrocyte deformability as a potential consequence of the tumor microenvironment.
• Provides insights into the complex rheological disturbances in malignancy.