Early Changes in Blood Clotting After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kirwan C C, McDowell G, McCollum C N, Kumar S, Byrne G J
Primary Institution: South Manchester University Hospitals Trust
Hypothesis
How quickly do changes in blood clotting markers occur after chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, and can these changes predict venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
Conclusion
Chemotherapy causes early changes in blood clotting markers, which can help identify patients at risk for VTE.
Supporting Evidence
- 9.8% of patients developed VTE within 3 months of chemotherapy.
- D-dimer levels below 500 ng/ml had a 97% negative predictive value for VTE.
- Changes in APTT and PT were observed as early as 24 hours after chemotherapy.
Takeaway
When women with breast cancer get chemotherapy, their blood can start to clot differently very quickly, which can help doctors know who might get blood clots.
Methodology
The study measured blood clotting markers before chemotherapy and at several time points after treatment in breast cancer patients and matched controls.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as patients with a history of VTE or on anticoagulants were excluded.
Limitations
The study only included female patients and may not be generalizable to other populations.
Participant Demographics
123 female patients, median age 52 (range 31–78) years, with 87 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and 36 with metastatic disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.002
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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