The Influence of Cancer Type on Stroke Incidence: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to examine the hematological and biochemical variables in patients diagnosed with cancer-related stroke who have different types of cancer and to evaluate the effects of these variables.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital stroke center and included 153 patients diagnosed with cancer-related stroke. Comprehensive etiological investigations were performed, and patients were classified according to the Trial of Org 101072 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. Laboratory parameters including d-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fibrinogen levels were collected from blood samples taken at the time of stroke. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way analysis of variance to assess differences in laboratory parameters across different cancer types.

Results: The study found significant variations in hematological and biochemical parameters among different cancer types. Specifically, glomerular filtration rate, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio levels showed significant differences across cancer types (P < 0.05), indicating that these factors may play distinct roles in the pathophysiology of cancer-related strokes. d-dimer, CRP, and sedimentation levels were significantly elevated in certain cancer types such as rectal, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers (P < .01). These findings suggest a strong association between hypercoagulability and increased risk of stroke in these patients.

Conclusions: This retrospective study highlights the importance of considering cancer-specific factors in the management of stroke risk, particularly in cancers such as pancreatic and colon, which show a predisposition to earlier stroke occurrence. The elevated coagulation factors in these patients suggest the potential need for early preventive treatment with anticoagulants or thrombin inhibitors.

Keywords: Cancer-related stroke; colorectal cancer; pancreatic cancer; stroke.

Figure 1.

Graphical representation of cancer types and laboratory values. aPTT indicates activated partial thromboplastin time; CRP, C-reactive protein; ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; INR, international normalized ratio; PT, prothrombin time.