Abstract

Many cancers are associated with hypercoagulability, including multiple myeloma. At least four possible reasons for hypercoagulability have been described in myeloma patients: interference of immunoglobulins on fibrin structure, procoagulant autoantibody production, effects of inflammatory cytokines on endothelium, and acquired activated protein C (APC) resistance. Moreover, injury to endothelium, either by tumor cells or by chemotherapy, may predispose to thrombosis by causing upregulation of adhesion molecules, allowing adhesion of blood cellular elements (platelets, lymphocyte, neutrophils, and tumor cells, which secrete thrombogenic as well as angiogenic substances). In most cases, the pathogenesis of a thrombotic complication in myeloma patients remains unexplained. Administration of chemotherapy may play a larger role in the thrombotic process than a specific abnormality does because thrombotic complications become more prominent after the start of treatment. The recently reported evidence of a non-factor V Leiden APC resistance has increased our understanding of the pathophysiology of this hypercoagulable state.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.