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New study Why patients with cancer brain tumors often have thrombosis
In Germany alone, around 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis. In some people, the risk of such a dangerous plug forming in the blood vessels is particularly great. Among other things, also in patients with malignant brain tumors. Researchers from Austria have now found out why this is so.
Every year, 100,000 Germans die as a result of thrombosis
According to the German Society for Angiology / Society of Vascular Medicine (DGA), the number of thromboses and the associated complications in the form of pulmonary embolism has increased in recent years. An undiscovered thrombosis quickly becomes a mortal danger. In Germany alone, an estimated 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis.
Patients with malignant brain tumors have a high risk of thrombosis. In a new study, the cause has now been discovered. (Image: tibanna79 / fotolia.com) High age as the main risk factor
Age is the main risk factor for thrombosis. This forms a blood clot (thrombus), which can constrict a vessel or completely clogged.
If this clot is flushed into the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal.
According to health experts, the danger increases significantly from the age of 60 years. Even people with varicose veins, lung or heart disease, as well as smokers and obese people have an increased risk of thrombosis.
It is also known that certain cancer patients, including those with brain tumors, have a high risk of thrombosis. In a scientific work of Austrian researchers, the underlying mechanisms could now be clarified.
Special protein is involved in the development of thrombosis
The study led by Julia Riedl and Cihan Ay from the University Medical Center I of the Medical University (MedUni) Vienna showed for the first time that a special protein called "podoplanin" is involved in the development of thrombosis Cell surface is formed by tumors.
The experts publish their results in the journal "Blood".
According to a college statement, thrombosis is a common complication of cancer because it can affect the blood clotting system and promote its activation.
According to the experts, the general risk of tumor patients for thrombosis is about four to seven times higher than those without malignant underlying diseases.
Increased risk in certain cancers
Cancer patients who develop thrombosis have a higher risk of dying. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - a vascular occlusion in the venous vasculature - is influenced by the type of cancer.
Malignant brain tumors are among the highest-risk cancers, according to the report. Thrombosis is also common in patients with pancreatic cancer and lung carcinoma.
In the case of a malignant brain tumor, there is a 15 to 20 percent chance of suffering venous thromboembolism.
Tissue samples from brain tumors
It has now been established that podoplanin can be produced in the tissue of brain tumor patients, which normally occurs in the lymphatic system and is important for embryonic development, for example.
It serves to activate the platelets as an important component of the blood clotting system. For the study, tissue samples from brain tumors from 213 patients could be stained using a special procedure to demonstrate the potential formation of podoplanin.
"It was found that increased podoplanin production was a strong indication of the occurrence of venous thromboembolism, which increased the VTE risk of patients with malignant brain tumors six-fold over a two-year follow-up period," the study leaders said.
Consequences for the future prophylaxis and therapy of thrombosis
In order to understand the underlying mechanisms of increased thrombosis, the research team also investigated platelet aggregation.
It turned out that the more platelet aggregations were to be found, the more podoplanin was present in the tissue. In contrast, the number of blood platelets measured in the blood was reduced, which was due to increased consumption by podoplanin activation.
Using in vitro experiments, the scientists were able to confirm that podoplanin-positive tumor cell lines strongly activate the platelets and lead to their aggregation. The study shows that podoplanin can lead to venous thromboembolism via platelet activation.
"Thus, for the first time, a possible underlying mechanism could be identified, which could have far-reaching consequences for the future prophylaxis and treatment of thrombosis in patients with malignant brain tumors," the statement said. (Ad)