Cancer Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Are Associated with Coagulopathy Causing Ischemic Stroke via Tissue Factor-Independent Way: The OASIS-CANCER Study

Atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke in cancer: the latest scientific evidence, current management, and future directions

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke are major cardiovascular complications in cancer patients, who have a higher burden and worse outcomes than the general population. Clinical risk stratification scores for stroke and bleeding, commonly used in the general population to estimate thromboembolic and bleeding risk, respectively, are less well validated in cancer patients, who have historically been excluded in clinical trials. There is a lack of consensus opinion on how to effectively risk-stratify cancer patients based on the currently available tools and a need for cancer-specific scores that offer a tailored approach to each patient in order to more effectively stratify ischemic stroke and bleeding risk in this cohort of patients. Cancer-mediated physiologic changes and adverse effects of antineoplastic therapy have been implicated as etiologies of the increased risk for both atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke. Risk stratifying scores such as CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED, commonly used in the general population, are less well validated in cancer patients. There is a need for cancer-specific scores that can more effectively stratify ischemic stroke and bleeding risk in cancer patients, although given the heterogeneity of cancers, whether a "one score fits all" is uncertain.

Temporal patterns of occult cancer incidence following acute ischemic stroke: A comparative study by stroke etiology

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

This study investigates the temporal patterns of occult cancer incidence among survivors of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), with a focus on variations by underlying stroke etiology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed data from a prospective, multicenter stroke registry and a national claims database, identifying AIS patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2013. Patients were categorized by stroke etiology into two groups: unidentified stroke etiology (USE) and identified stroke etiology (ISE). We estimated the occult cancer incidence rates within both groups and the overall AIS cohort. Using Poisson regression, we evaluated variations in cancer incidence over time and by stroke etiology, adjusting for age, sex, and smoking status. We also compared the first-year cancer incidence rate in our cohort to the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) in the general Korean population.

RESULTS

Among 9759 AIS patients (median follow-up: 4.4 years), 976 occult cancers were diagnosed in 569 patients (5.8%). The first month post-stroke exhibited the highest cancer incidence rates across all groups: 8.3 (overall AIS), 14.3 (USE), and 7.6 (ISE) per 1000 person-months, with rates decreasing rapidly thereafter and stabilizing after 12 months. Compared to beyond 36 months, the adjusted incidence rate ratios within 1 month were 7.1 for overall AIS, 17.6 for USE, and 6.8 for ISE. The heightened risk in the USE group, compared to the ISE group, was significant within 1 month but diminished thereafter. Relative to the general population, the ASIR in this cohort was 1.6 times higher, particularly among men and those in the USE category.

CONCLUSION

Occult cancer incidence is notably high in the early period following AIS, especially among patients with USE. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant cancer screening immediately after a stroke, especially for patients without a clear stroke etiology.Data access statement:Access to the linked data utilized in this research was restricted to authorized researchers and limited to a pre-defined period only. Therefore, it is not possible to guarantee access to the data after the completion of this study, even upon reasonable request.

Serum EpCAM or PECAM Levels and Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

Elevated serum Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) or Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) are associated with ischemic stroke (IS), but the causality remains unclear. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed to examine the causal effect of serum EpCAM or PECAM levels on the risk of IS subtypes.The study utilized GWAS datasets from European and African American populations to identify SNPs associated with serum EpCAM and PECAM levels as instrumental variables. These were then used in MR analyses for IS subtypes, employing multiple methods including IVW, weighted median, MR-Egger, and maximum likelihood. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate the results. No significant causal association was observed for EpCAM levels with any of three IS subtypes. Main IVW MR analysis indicated that serum PECAM levels were negatively related to the incidence of large artery stroke (LAS), small vessel stroke (SVS), and cardioembolic stroke (CES), especially CES. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these results. Our study reveals a negative correlation between genetically predicted PECAM levels and ischemic stroke risk, particularly for cardioembolic stroke, suggesting PECAM's potential as a biomarker for risk stratification. While no clear causal relationship was found for EpCAM, these findings have significant implications for stroke prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is needed to validate these results and explore their clinical applications, potentially leading to more personalized approaches in stroke management.

Cardio-cerebral infarction: a narrative review of pathophysiology, treatment challenges, and prognostic implications

Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Despite its complex pathogenesis and more severe prognosis compared to isolated AMI or AIS, no consensus has been established regarding its definition, classification, epidemiology, treatment protocols, or prognostic management. Current research is largely confined to case reports or small case series, and there are no unified diagnostic or treatment guidelines, nor any expert consensus. Consequently, clinicians often rely on single-disease guidelines for AMI or AIS, or personal experience, when managing CCI cases. This approach complicates treatment decisions and may result in missed opportunities for optimal interventions, thereby adversely affecting long-term patient outcomes. This narrative review aimed to systematically summarize the definition, classification, epidemiological features, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies, and prognostic aspects of CCI while thoroughly examining the progress and limitations of existing studies to guide future research and clinical practice. By offering a detailed analysis of reperfusion strategies, antiplatelet therapy, and anticoagulation in CCI patients, this review highlights the safety and efficacy differences among current treatments and explores methods for optimizing individualized management to improve clinical outcomes. Furthermore, this article aimed to enhance clinicians' understanding of CCI, provide evidence-based recommendations for patient care, and outline directions for future research. Ultimately, by refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, we aimed to reduce CCI-related mortality and improve long-term prognoses for affected patients.

Extracellular vesicles from the lung pro-thrombotic niche drive cancer-associated thrombosis and metastasis via integrin beta 2

Cancer is a systemic disease with complications beyond the primary tumor site. Among them, thrombosis is the second leading cause of death in patients with certain cancers (e.g., pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [PDAC]) and advanced-stage disease. Here, we demonstrate that pro-thrombotic small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are secreted by C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13)-reprogrammed interstitial macrophages in the non-metastatic lung microenvironment of multiple cancers, a niche that we define as the pro-thrombotic niche (PTN). These sEVs package clustered integrin β2 that dimerizes with integrin αX and interacts with platelet-bound glycoprotein (GP)Ib to induce platelet aggregation. Blocking integrin β2 decreases both sEV-induced thrombosis and lung metastasis. Importantly, sEV-β2 levels are elevated in the plasma of PDAC patients prior to thrombotic events compared with patients with no history of thrombosis. We show that lung PTN establishment is a systemic consequence of cancer progression and identify sEV-β2 as a prognostic biomarker of thrombosis risk as well as a target to prevent thrombosis and metastasis.

Insights into Cancer-Associated Thrombosis Leading Towards Ischemic Stroke

Stroke leads to significant disability in most patients, whereas cancer elevates the occurrence of stroke. The incidence of cancer-associated stroke (CAS) is projected to rise as a result of improvements in cancer therapies. Various forms of cancer have been demonstrated to be linked to ischemic stroke. Cancer might influence stroke pathophysiology either directly or through coagulation that creates a hypercoagulative state, in addition to infections. Treatment methods for cancer, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, have all been demonstrated to increase the risk of stroke as well. This review discusses the subtypes, epidemiology, pathophysiology, mechanisms of stroke within cancer patients, biomarkers, and signaling pathways of stroke in cancer while providing vital information on the involved transcription factors, treatment, and management of patients with cancer-associated ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and signaling biomolecules can also affect CAS. Overall, stroke is a significant and not uncommon complication of cancer, and there is an immediate demand for neurologists and oncologists to create strategies for screening and preventing strokes in cancer patients.

Extracellular vesicles as standard-of-care therapy: will fast-tracking the regulatory processes help achieve the goal?

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) became a focus of clinical research when experimental and pre-clinical studies showed that they mimic their parent cells' regenerative and therapeutic effects and their cargo carries disease-specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Since the publication of data forms an endpoint of the study, this review specifically focused on the published clinical trials done with EVs. For brevity, this review was restricted to the last 10 years. Unexpectedly, the literature search showed that very few clinical trials assessing the therapeutic applications of EVs were published in this period indicating that they have not reached their desired endpoint. Conversely, most studies showed the potential of EVs present in various biofluids as a promising source of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases, and predictive markers to assess the effectiveness of therapy. This stark difference in the numbers could perhaps be due to the time-consuming regulatory processes involved in the clinical-grade preparation and characterization of EVs, and the determination of their safety and effective dose regimens. One wonders whether fast-tracking regulatory affairs could help accelerate the therapeutic use of EVs. This aspect needs urgent attention.

Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Management of Cancer-Associated Ischemic Stroke

Cancer and stroke are leading causes of global disability and mortality. With improvements in cancer-associated mortality and advancements in treatment of active malignancy, it is more common to encounter patients with ischemic stroke and active malignancy. Evidence suggests that cancer-associated ischemic stroke is a unique subtype of stroke; however, there is limited guidance when considering diagnostic workup, secondary prevention, rehabilitation, and future directions within this population. In this narrative review, we aim to describe the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, management, and future directions regarding understanding of cancer-associated ischemic stroke.

Pathogenesis and Biomarkers of Cancer-Related Ischemic Stroke

Objective

To investigate the pathogenesis of cancer-related ischemic stroke (CRIS) and to search for reliable biomarkers of CRIS.

Methods

Patients with CRIS, only-cancer and only-ischemic stroke who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from May 2022 to January 2024 were recruited, and laboratory and clinical data of the three groups were collected. Peripheral venous blood was collected and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect markers of coagulation (D-dimer) and endothelial integrity (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)).

Results

The study included 16 patients with CRIS, as well as 16 patients with only-cancer and 16 patients with only-ischemic stroke. Among patients with CRIS, the most common cancer was lung cancer, and the most common pathological type was adenocarcinoma. It was found that compared with patients with only-cancer and only-ischemic stroke, the hemoglobin and lymphocyte percentage in patients with CRIS were decreased (P<0.05), while the neutrophil percentage and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were increased (P<0.05). Compared with only-ischemic stroke group, the lymphocyte absolute value in patients with CRIS was decreased (P<0.05), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), globulin, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and ICAM-1 were increased (P<0.05). D-dimer level was higher in patients with CRIS than in only-cancer group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

In the present study, the increased NLR, PLR, ICAM-1 and D-dimer were expected to be biomarkers of CRIS, indicating that hypercoagulability mediated by cancer inflammation and endothelial damage may be the pathogenesis of CRIS. The novel findings in the present study will facilitate clinicians to identify the patients at high risk of CRIS. Because of the small sample size, the findings need to be validated by prospective large-sample studies in the future.

Evolving Role of Exosomes in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Dermatology

Exosomes, or extracellular vesicles, represent the latest cell-free addition to the regenerative medicine toolkit. In vitro preclinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of exosomes, which vary based on source and biomanufacturing, for a myriad of potential therapeutic applications relevant to skin and soft tissue reconstruction. Primary search was performed in September 2021 on the MEDLINE database via PubMed and Ovid, with focus on articles about therapeutic application of exosomes or extracellular vesicles. In total, 130 articles met criteria for applicability, including early-stage clinical trials, preclinical research studies with in vivo application, and articles applicable to plastic and reconstructive surgery and dermatology. Most studies used animal models of human disease processes, using either animal donor cells to isolate exosomes, or human donor cells in animal models. Exosome technology has catapulted as an acellular therapeutic vehicle with off-the-shelf accessibility. These features eliminate prior threshold for broad adoption of regenerative cell-based therapies into surgical and medical practice. To date, there are no exosome products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This review highlights exosomes as the new frontier in regenerative medicine and outlines its preclinical therapeutic applications for cutaneous repair and restoration.

Diagnosing cancer-associated ischemic stroke: A systematic review of hematological biomarkers

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Patients suffering from cancer are reported to have an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to identify cancer-associated biomarkers found to differentiate between IS associated with cancer from those not associated with cancer.

SUMMARY OF REVIEW

We performed a systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The study is reported in PROSPERO (#CRD42022355129). In total, 5563 papers were screened, of which 49 papers were included. Seven biomarkers were identified which had the potential to differentiate between patients who had cancer or stroke or both conditions. D-dimer was the most frequently monitored biomarker, and high levels were significantly associated with cancer-related strokes in (42/44) studies. Fibrinogen was significantly associated with cancer-related strokes in 11/27 studies. A higher level of C-reactive protein, investigated in 19 studies, was associated with cancer-related strokes, but conclusive multivariate analysis was not performed. Finally, the four cancer-associated antigens CA125, CA153, CA199, and carcinoembryonic antigen were only reported on in three to six studies, respectively. These studies all originated from the Guangxi province in China. CA125 was associated with an increased risk of IS in four of six studies.

CONCLUSION

Increased D-dimer seems associated with cancer-related IS. CRP may also be a candidate as a cancer-associated stroke biomarker, but this requires further verification. Fibrinogen and the more specific cancer biomarkers have not yet been proven helpful for detecting cancer-related strokes.

Ischemic Stroke in Cancer: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Implications for Treatment

Ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. The underlying mechanisms linking cancer and stroke are not completely understood. Long-standing and more recent evidence suggests that cancer-associated prothrombotic states, along with treatment-related vascular toxicity, such as with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, contribute to an increased risk of ischemic stroke in cancer patients. Novel biomarkers, including coagulation, platelet and endothelial markers, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles are being investigated for their potential to improve risk stratification and patient selection for clinical trials and to help guide personalized antithrombotic strategies. Treatment of cancer-related stroke poses unique challenges, including the need to balance the risk of recurrent stroke and other thromboembolic events with that of bleeding associated with antithrombotic therapy. In addition, how and when to restart cancer treatment after stroke remains unclear. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying ischemic stroke in cancer, propose an etiological classification system unique to cancer-related stroke to help guide patient characterization, provide an overview of promising biomarkers and their clinical utility, and discuss the current state of evidence-based management strategies for cancer-related stroke. Ultimately, a personalized approach to stroke prevention and treatment is required in cancer patients, considering both the underlying cancer biology and the individual patient's risk profile.

Tumor Embolic Stroke: The Importance of Pathological Assessment of Clots after Thrombectomy

While tumor emboli are a rare cause of stroke in cancer patients, they highlight the importance of gross observations and pathological assessments in the evaluation of clots. In this case report, a 70-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease presented with acute left-sided weakness. He was clinically diagnosed with stroke and given alteplase at 1.5 h from last known normal. He then underwent CT angiography that showed right internal carotid artery occlusion and immediate thrombectomy. The recovered clot was white and lipid-like; due to its atypical appearance, it was sent for pathological assessment, where it was shown to bear features of malignancy. Subsequent imaging identified masses indicating malignancy in the left gluteus, right pleural hilum, and spine. Tumor embolic stroke is a rare pathology. Embolic diseases such as strokes and pulmonary embolisms are common in patients with cancer. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) represents a significant portion of cancer strokes. Tumor emboli, though rare, may be an underappreciated source of ESUS in cancer patients. We intend for this case to demonstrate the value of pathological assessment for atypical thrombi as well as highlight the etiology of tumor embolic strokes.

Tumor Genomic Profile Is Associated With Arterial Thromboembolism Risk in Patients With Solid Cancer

Background

Patients with cancer have an increased risk for arterial thromboembolism (ATE). Scant data exist about the impact of cancer-specific genomic alterations on the risk for ATE.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether individual solid tumor somatic genomic alterations influence the incidence of ATE.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using tumor genetic alteration data from adults with solid cancers who underwent Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets testing between 2014 and 2016. The primary outcome, ATE, was defined as myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, ischemic stroke, peripheral arterial occlusion, or limb revascularization and identified through systematic electronic medical record assessments. Patients were followed from date of tissue-matched blood control accession to first ATE event or death, for up to 1 year. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine HRs of ATE for individual genes adjusted for pertinent clinical covariates.

Results

Among 11,871 eligible patients, 74% had metastatic disease, and there were 160 ATE events. A significantly increased risk for ATE independent of tumor type was noted for the KRAS oncogene (HR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.34-2.94; multiplicity-adjusted P = 0.015) and the STK11 tumor suppressor gene (HR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.44-4.38; multiplicity-adjusted P = 0.015).

Conclusions

In a large genomic tumor-profiling registry of patients with solid cancers, alterations in KRAS and STK11 were associated with an increased risk for ATE independent of cancer type. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which these mutations contribute to ATE in this high-risk population.

Circulating extracellular particles from severe COVID-19 patients show altered profiling and innate lymphoid cell-modulating ability

Introduction

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and particles (EPs) represent reliable biomarkers for disease detection. Their role in the inflammatory microenvironment of severe COVID-19 patients is not well determined. Here, we characterized the immunophenotype, the lipidomic cargo and the functional activity of circulating EPs from severe COVID-19 patients (Co-19-EPs) and healthy controls (HC-EPs) correlating the data with the clinical parameters including the partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PaO2/FiO2) and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score.

Methods

Peripheral blood (PB) was collected from COVID-19 patients (n=10) and HC (n=10). EPs were purified from platelet-poor plasma by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and ultrafiltration. Plasma cytokines and EPs were characterized by multiplex bead-based assay. Quantitative lipidomic profiling of EPs was performed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry combined with quadrupole time-of-flight (LC/MS Q-TOF). Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) were characterized by flow cytometry after co-cultures with HC-EPs or Co-19-EPs.

Results

We observed that EPs from severe COVID-19 patients: 1) display an altered surface signature as assessed by multiplex protein analysis; 2) are characterized by distinct lipidomic profiling; 3) show correlations between lipidomic profiling and disease aggressiveness scores; 4) fail to dampen type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) cytokine secretion. As a consequence, ILC2 from severe COVID-19 patients show a more activated phenotype due to the presence of Co-19-EPs.

Discussion

In summary, these data highlight that abnormal circulating EPs promote ILC2-driven inflammatory signals in severe COVID-19 patients and support further exploration to unravel the role of EPs (and EVs) in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Cancer-related cryptogenic stroke involving the bilateral anterior and the posterior circulations: Diagnostic value of clinical and imaging characteristics

Objectives

This study analyzed the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with cancer-related cryptogenic stroke (CCS) involving the bilateral anterior and the posterior circulations (three circulations) and evaluate the diagnostic value of clinical and imaging features for patients with cryptogenic stroke involving three circulations (CST).

Methods

Of the 12,580 patients with acute ischemic stroke, 148 patients with CST from May 2017 to November 2021 were divided into the cancer group (n = 81) and the non-cancer group (n = 67). Cardiovascular risk factors, diffusion-weighted imaging patterns of cryptogenic stroke, blood routine, coagulation routine, and biochemical routine were compared between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to determine associations between the two groups.

Results

Compared with the non-cancer group, the cancer group exhibited higher D-dimer levels (P < 0.001), fibrin degradation product (FDP, P < 0.001), international normalized ratio (INR, P = 0.014), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, P < 0.001), platelets to lymphocyte ratio (PLR, P = 0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, P = 0.039), more frequent multiple lesions in three circulations (P < 0.001) and lower lymphocytes (P < 0.001), red blood cells (P < 0.001), and thrombin time (TT, P = 0.034). Furthermore, D-dimer [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.915, P < 0.001)], FDP (AUC = 0.923, P < 0.001), INR (AUC = 0.617, P = 0.014), NLR (AUC = 0.700, P < 0.001), PLR (AUC = 0.658, P = 0.001), and multiple lesions in three circulations (AUC = 0.786, P < 0.001) had potential diagnostic value in cryptogenic stroke. When combining these 6 parameters, the predictive power was improved (AUC = 0.949, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Cryptogenic stroke involving three circulations with cancer has unique clinical features, and these potential diagnostic indicators could help patients identify CCS earlier.

Cancer-related stroke: Exploring personalized therapy strategies

BACKGROUND

Cancer and ischemic stroke are two common diseases that threaten human health and have become the main causes of death in the world. It is estimated that one-in-ten patients with ischemic stroke have concomitant cancer, and this incidence is expected to increase as improvements in medical technology extends the life expectancy of cancer patients.

DISCUSSION

Cancer-related stroke (CRS) refers to unexplained ischemic stroke in patients with active cancer that cannot be explained by current stroke mechanisms. Available evidence suggests that CRS accounts for 5-10% of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Although the incidence of CRS is gradually increasing, its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. Also, there is no consensus on acute treatment and secondary prevention of stroke.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we retrospectively analyzed the incidence, mechanisms of CRS, its potential as a new stroke subtype, options for acute treatment, secondary prevention strategies, and disease progression, with the aim of attempting to explore personalized therapy strategies.

Endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke and cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Although stroke occurs frequently in patients with cancer, there is scarce evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke and concurrent cancer. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the existing literature.

METHODS

We searched for English written observational studies reporting data on safety and efficacy of EVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke and concurrent cancer. Outcomes of interest were: functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ⩽ 2); mortality at 3 months; rate of successful recanalization (modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) 2b or 3); occurrence of any hemorrhagic transformation (both symptomatic and asymptomatic). We pooled data with Maentel-Haenszel model to calculate cumulative odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

We included seven studies with a total of 4465 patients, of whom 262 (6%) with cancer. We observed various definitions of cancer across included studies. Patients with cancer had less likely mRS⩽2 at 3 months (24% vs 42%, OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.32-0.60) and increased probability of death (43% vs 19%, OR = 5.02; 95% CI = 2.90-8.69). There was no difference in successful recanalization (70% vs 75%, OR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.49-1.44); patients with cancer had increased risk of any intracerebral hemorrhage after treatment (49% vs 34%, OR = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.28-2.96), though not for symptomatic ICH (OR 1.04; 95% CI = 0.59-1.85).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute ischemic stroke and cancer have similar EVT recanalization but higher probability of functional dependence, death, and any hemorrhagic transformation, though not necessarily symptomatic, compared with patients without cancer. Our results may help communication with patients and carers.

Risk for Arterial Thromboembolic Events (ATEs) in Patients with Advanced Urinary Tract Cancer (aUTC) Treated with First-Line Chemotherapy: Single-Center, Observational Study

Arterial thromboembolism has been associated with cancer or its treatment. Unlike venous thromboembolism, the incidence and risk factors have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the incidence of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) in an institutional series of advanced urinary tract cancer (aUTC) treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. The ATE definition included peripheral arterial embolism/thrombosis, ischemic stroke and coronary events. A total of 354 aUTC patients were analyzed. Most patients (95.2%) received platinum-based chemotherapy. A total of 12 patients (3.4%) suffered an ATE within a median time of 3.6 months from the start of chemotherapy. The most frequent ATE was ischemic stroke (n = 7). Two ATEs were fatal. The 6-month and 24-month incidence were 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-4.1) and 3.6% (95% CI: 1.9-6.2), respectively. Perioperative chemotherapy increased the risk for ATE by 5.55-fold. Tumors other than UTC and pure non-transitional cell carcinoma histology were also independent risk factors. No association with the type of chemotherapy was found. Overall, ATEs occur in 4.6% of aUTC patients treated with chemotherapy and represent a clinically relevant manifestation. Perioperative chemotherapy significantly increases the risk for ATE. The role of prophylaxis in high-risk groups should be prospectively studied.

Clinical Outcome After Endovascular Treatment in Patients With Active Cancer and Ischemic Stroke: A MR CLEAN Registry Substudy

OBJECTIVE

To explore clinical and safety outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and active cancer after endovascular treatment (EVT).

METHODS

Using data from the MR CLEAN Registry, we compared patients with active cancer (defined as cancer diagnosed within 12 months prior to stroke, metastatic disease, or current cancer treatment) to patients without cancer. Outcomes were 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, mortality, successful reperfusion (eTICI scores≥2b), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and recurrent stroke. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with a pre-stroke mRS score of 0 or 1 and according to treatment setting (curative or palliative). Analyses were adjusted for prognostic variables.

RESULTS

Of 2583 patients who underwent EVT, 124 (4.8%) had active cancer. They more often had pre-stroke disability (mRS≥2: 34.1% vs. 16.6%). The treatment setting was palliative in 25.3% of the patients. There was a shift towards worse functional outcome at 90 days in patients with active cancer (adjusted common OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.2). At 90 days, patients with active cancer were less often independent (mRS 0-2: 22.6% vs. 42.0%, aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8), and more often dead (52.2% vs. 26.5%, aOR 3.2, 95% CI 2.1-4.9). Successful reperfusion (67.8% vs. 60.5%, aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.1) and sICH rates (6.5% vs. 5.9%, aOR 1.1, 95 %CI 0.5-2.3) did not differ. Recurrent stroke within 90 days was more common in patients with active cancer (4.0% vs. 1.3%, aOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-8.1). The sensitivity analysis of patients with a pre-stroke mRS of 0 or 1 showed that patients with active cancer still had a worse outcome at 90 days (acOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0). Patients with active cancer in a palliative treatment setting regained functional independence less often compared to patients in a curative setting (18.2% vs. 32.1%) and mortality was also higher (81.8% vs. 39.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar technical success, patients with active cancer had significantly worse outcomes after EVT for AIS. Moreover, they had an increased risk of recurrent stroke. Nevertheless, about a quarter of the patients regained functional independence and the risk of other complications, most notably sICH, was not increased.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class I evidence that patients with active cancer undergoing EVT for AIS have worse functional outcomes at 90 days compared to those without active cancer.

The Role of Factor Xa-Independent Pathway and Anticoagulant Therapies in Cancer-Related Stroke

Background: The optimal strategy for stroke prevention in cancer patients is unknown. We compared the underlying mechanisms of coagulopathy and the effects of anticoagulants in patients with active cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 46 consecutive patients with embolic stroke of unknown source and active cancer (cancer stroke). We consecutively screened patients with cancer patients without stroke (n = 29), AF stroke (n = 52), and healthy subjects (n = 28), which served as controls. Patients with cancer stroke were treated with either enoxaparin (a low-molecular-weight heparin) or a factor Xa inhibitor, and those with AF stroke were treated with factor Xa inhibitors. D-dimer, factor Xa, and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), a marker of neutrophil extracellular traposis, were measured at both before and after anticoagulation. Results: In AF stroke, factor Xa activity and cfDNA and D-dimer levels were decreased by treatment with factor Xa inhibitors. In contrast, in cancer stroke, factor Xa activity was decreased, D-dimer levels were unchanged, and cfDNA levels were increased by treatment with factor Xa inhibitors. In cancer stroke patients treated with enoxaparin, D-dimer levels were decreased (p = 0.011) and cfDNA levels were unchanged. Conclusion: The anticoagulation effects of factor Xa inhibitors differed between cancer stroke and AF stroke.

Current Strategies for Cancer Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Cancer Therapy

Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (CEVs), a novel type of therapeutic agent in cancer treatment, can be prepared from the autocrine secretion of various cancer cells, the direct extraction of cancer cells and the combination of cancer cell-derived membranes with advanced materials. With various bioactive molecules, exosomes are produced by cells for intercellular communication. Although cancer cell-derived exosomes are known to inhibit tumor apoptosis and promote the progression of cancer, researchers have developed various innovative strategies to prepare anti-tumor vesicles from cancer cells. With current strategies for anti-tumor vesicles, four different kinds of CEVs are classified including irradiated CEVs, advanced materials combined CEVs, chemotherapeutic drugs loaded CEVs and genetically engineered CEVs. In this way, CEVs can not only be the carriers for anti-tumor drugs to the target tumor area but also act as immune-active agents. Problems raised in the strategies mainly concerned with the preparation, efficacy and application. In this review, we classified and summarized the current strategies for utilizing the anti-tumor potential of CEVs. Additionally, the challenges and the prospects of this novel agent have been discussed.

Mechanisms of Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Cancer: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke with cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from 2016 to 2020 at 2 hospitals. We enrolled 3 groups of 50 adult participants each. The main group included patients with active solid tumor cancer and acute ischemic stroke. The control groups included patients with acute ischemic stroke only or active cancer only. The patients with stroke-only and patients with cancer-only were matched to the patients with cancer-plus-stroke by age, sex, and cancer type, if applicable. The outcomes were prespecified hematological biomarkers and transcranial Doppler microemboli detection. Hematological biomarkers included markers of coagulation (D-dimer and thrombin-antithrombin), platelet function (P-selectin), and endothelial integrity (thrombomodulin, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1], and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1]). Hematological biomarkers were compared between groups using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. In multivariable linear regression models, we adjusted for race, number of stroke risk factors, smoking, stroke severity, and antithrombotic use. Transcranial Doppler microemboli presence was compared between groups using chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Levels of all study biomarkers were different between groups. In univariate between-group comparisons, patients with cancer-plus-stroke had higher levels of D-dimer, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and thrombomodulin than both control groups; higher levels of thrombin-antithrombin than patients with cancer-only; and higher levels of P-selectin than patients with stroke-only. Findings were similar in multivariable analyses. Transcranial Doppler microemboli were detected in 32% of patients with cancer-plus-stroke, 16% of patients with stroke-only, and 6% of patients with cancer-only (p = 0.005).

INTERPRETATION

Patients with cancer-related stroke have higher markers of coagulation, platelet, and endothelial dysfunction, and more circulating microemboli, than matched controls. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:159-169.

Circulating Exosomes and Their Role in Stroke

Stroke is an acute neurologic disorder which can be life-threatening if left untreated or diagnosed late. Various detecting techniques including neurologic imaging of the brain by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can facilitate diagnosis of stroke. However, according to the recent advances in molecular detection techniques, new diagnostic and prognostic markers have emerged. Exosomes as an extra cellar particle are one of these markers which can have useful diagnostic, prognostic, and even therapeutic impact after stroke. We have previously discussed the role of exosomes in cardiovascular disease and in the present review we focus on the most common cerebrovascular disease. The aim of the present review is summarizing the recent diagnostic role of exosomes which are specifically secreted during a stroke and can guide clinicians to better diagnosis of stroke.

Cancer and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

One-quarter to one-third of ischemic strokes have no established mechanism after standard diagnostic evaluation and are classified as embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Failure of randomized trials to demonstrate a benefit of direct oral anticoagulants over aspirin for the treatment of ESUS as a single homogeneous entity has led to renewed interest by stroke experts to divide ESUS into subgroups. Emerging data suggest that active cancer, which is present in 5% to 10% of patients with ESUS, is a distinct and important subgroup of ESUS with unique clinical characteristics, underlying pathophysiologies, and treatment and prognostic considerations. Furthermore, the prevalence of cancer-related ESUS is expected to increase as patients with cancer, even those with distant metastases, survive longer due to improvements in cancer treatments. In this topical review, we examine the epidemiological link between ESUS and cancer, the clinical features and potential mechanistic underpinnings of ESUS with cancer (with a focus on novel biomarkers and their relationship to recurrent stroke and other thromboembolic events), and the potential treatment strategies for cancer-related ESUS. We include a critical appraisal of existing data and ongoing or planned clinical trials of different antithrombotic approaches. As cancer-related ESUS is a dynamic disease with variable course, we recommend close collaboration between neurologists and oncologists to develop individualized management plans.

Mechanisms and biomarkers of cancer-associated thrombosis

Cancer-associated thrombosis is a leading cause of non-cancer death in cancer patients and is comprised of both arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE). There are multiple risk factors for developing VTE, including cancer type, stage, treatment, and other medical comorbidities, which suggests that the etiology of thrombosis is multifactorial. While cancer-associated thrombosis can be treated with anticoagulation, benefits of therapy must be balanced with the increased bleeding risks seen in patients with cancer. Although risk models exist for primary and recurrent VTE, additional predictors are needed to improve model performance and discrimination of high-risk patients. This review will outline the diverse mechanisms driving thrombosis in cancer patients, as well as provide an overview of biomarkers studied in thrombosis risk and important considerations when selecting candidate biomarkers.

Message in a Bottle: Upgrading Cardiac Repair into Rejuvenation

Ischaemic cardiac disease is associated with a loss of cardiomyocytes and an intrinsic lack of myocardial renewal. Recent work has shown that the heart retains limited cardiomyocyte proliferation, which remains inefficient when facing pathological conditions. While broadly active in the neonatal mammalian heart, this mechanism becomes quiescent soon after birth, suggesting loss of regenerative potential with maturation into adulthood. A key question is whether this temporary regenerative window can be enhanced via appropriate stimulation and further extended. Recently the search for novel therapeutic approaches for heart disease has centred on stem cell biology. The “paracrine effect” has been proposed as a promising strategy to boost endogenous reparative and regenerative mechanisms from within the cardiac tissue by exploiting the modulatory potential of soluble stem cell-secreted factors. As such, growing interest has been specifically addressed towards stem/progenitor cell-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), which can be easily isolated in vitro from cell-conditioned medium. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current paradigm on cardiac repair and regeneration, with a specific focus on the role and mechanism(s) of paracrine action of EVs from cardiac stromal progenitors as compared to exogenous stem cells in order to discuss the optimal choice for future therapy. In addition, the challenges to overcoming translational EV biology from bench to bedside for future cardiac regenerative medicine will be discussed.

Cancer-Related Stroke: An Emerging Subtype of Ischemic Stroke with Unique Pathomechanisms

Systemic cancer and ischemic stroke are common conditions and two of the most frequent causes of death among the elderly. The association between cancer and stroke has been reported worldwide. Stroke causes severe disability for cancer patients, while cancer increases the risk of stroke. Moreover, cancer-related stroke is expected to increase due to advances in cancer treatment and an aging population worldwide. Because cancer and stroke share risk factors (such as smoking and obesity) and treatment of cancer can increase the risk of stroke (e.g., accelerated atherosclerosis after radiation therapy), cancer may accelerate conventional stroke mechanisms (i.e., atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, and cardiac thrombus). In addition, active cancer and chemotherapy may enhance thrombin generation causing stroke related to coagulopathy. Patients with stroke due to cancer-related coagulopathy showed the characteristics findings of etiologic work ups, D-dimer levels, and infarct patterns. In this review, we summarized the frequency of cancer-related stroke among patients with ischemic stroke, mechanisms of stroke with in cancer patients, and evaluation and treatment of cancer-related stroke. We discussed the possibility of cancer-related stroke as a stroke subtype, and presented the most recent discoveries in the pathomechanisms and treatment of stroke due to cancer-related coagulopathy.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Lung Cancer-Associated Acute Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To research the clinical characteristics and risk factors of lung cancer-associated acute ischemic stroke (LCA-AIS).

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with LCA-AIS, simple lung cancer, and simple AIS were enrolled. The primary information, laboratory results, tumor histopathology, neurological deficits, and survival time of the patients were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) In the LCA-AIS group, the pathology of 69.56% patients were adenocarcinoma, and the proportion of poorly differentiated patients was significantly more than that in moderately differentiated or highly differentiated. The number of stage IV lung cancer patients in the LCA-AIS group was significantly more common than in other stages. (2) 56.52% of patients with lung cancer were diagnosed before AIS, and the peak of AIS attack was 1-6 months after the diagnosis of lung cancer. (3) The independent risk factors of LCA-AIS were CYFRA-211 (OR 1.070; 95% confidence interval 1.005, 1.139; p = 0.035), TT (OR 1.275; 95% confidence interval 1.089, 1.493; p = 0.003), and Hct (OR 0.878; 95% confidence interval 0.779, 0.990; p = 0.034), making ROC curve, suggesting the area under the curve is 0.871. (4) The neurological deficit of patients in the LCA-AIS group was similar to the simple AIS group and could not be identified by the severity of neurological deficits. (5) The median survival time of LCA-AIS group patients was five months (95% confidence interval 3.796, 6.204). There were statistical differences in survival time between LCA-AIS group and simple AIS group patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The interaction between lung cancer and AIS may shorten patients' life expectancy and worsen their quality of life.

Prevalence and Impact of Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source With or Without Active Cancer

Background

An increased risk of acute ischemic stroke is recognized among patients with cancer. However, the mechanism behind cancer‐related stroke is unclear. In this study, we determined the presence of associated venous thromboembolism and arterial thromboembolism and their clinical impact on patients with cancer‐related stroke.

Methods and Results

Patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source with or without cancer were evaluated for venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboembolism by using Doppler sonography to determine the presence of lower‐extremity DVT and the microembolic signal of the symptomatic cerebral circulation, respectively. Infarct volume was determined by diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazard analysis were used to investigate the effect of DVT and microembolic signal on infarct volume and 1‐year survival, respectively. Of 142 screened patients, 118 were included (37 with, 81 without cancer). Those with cancer had a higher prevalence of DVT or microembolic signal than did the noncancer group (62.2% versus 19.8%; P<0.001). Among patients with cancer‐related stroke, DVT was associated with a greater infarct volume in magnetic resonance imaging (beta, 13.14; 95% CI, 1.62–24.66; P=0.028). Presence of DVT (hazard ratio, 16.79; 95% CI, 2.05–137.75; P=0.009) and microembolic signal (hazard ratio, 8.16; 95% CI, 1.36–48.85; P=0.022) were independent predictors of poor 1‐year survival.

Conclusions

Patients with cancer‐associated embolic stroke of undetermined source have an elevated risk of associated venous thromboembolism and arterial thromboembolism, both of which have a significant negative impact on 1‐year survival. The results of this study may enhance our understanding of cancer‐associated stroke and improve risk stratification of patients with this disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/.Unique identifier: NCT02212496

The interrelationship between cerebral ischemic stroke and glioma: a comprehensive study of recent reports

Glioma and cerebral ischemic stroke are two major events that lead to patient death worldwide. Although these conditions have different physiological incidences, ~10% of ischemic stroke patients develop cerebral cancer, especially glioma, in the postischemic stages. Additionally, the high proliferation, venous thrombosis and hypercoagulability of the glioma mass increase the significant risk of thromboembolism, including ischemic stroke. Surprisingly, these events share several common pathways, viz. hypoxia, cerebral inflammation, angiogenesis, etc., but the proper mechanism behind this co-occurrence has yet to be discovered. The hypercoagulability and presence of the D-dimer level in stroke are different in cancer patients than in the noncancerous population. Other factors such as atherosclerosis and coagulopathy involved in the pathogenesis of stroke are partially responsible for cancer, and the reverse is also partially true. Based on clinical and neurosurgical experience, the neuronal structures and functions in the brain and spine are observed to change after a progressive attack of ischemia that leads to hypoxia and atrophy. The major population of cancer cells cannot survive in an adverse ischemic environment that excludes cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cancer cells in stroke patients have already metastasized, but early-stage cancer patients also suffer stroke for multiple reasons. Therefore, stroke is an early manifestation of cancer. Stroke and cancer share many factors that result in an increased risk of stroke in cancer patients, and vice-versa. The intricate mechanisms for stroke with and without cancer are different. This review summarizes the current clinical reports, pathophysiology, probable causes of co-occurrence, prognoses, and treatment possibilities.

The risk of arterial thromboembolic events after cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Retrospective studies have reported an association between cancer and arterial thromboembolic event (ATE) risk.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to confirm this in a prospective cohort with adjudicated outcomes.

METHODS

We evaluated participants enrolled in the REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study with Medicare coverage for 365 days before their baseline visit (2003-2007). Medicare claims were used to identify new cancer diagnoses during follow-up. Using incidence-density sampling, participants who developed cancer were matched by age, sex, race, and education 1:4 to control participants who had not developed cancer. Participants were prospectively followed through 2015 for an expert-adjudicated ATE, defined as acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Cox regression was performed to evaluate the association between incident cancer and subsequent ATE.

RESULTS

In this analysis, 836 REGARDS participants with incident cancer were matched to 3339 control participants without cancer. In the 30 days after cancer diagnosis, 0.60% (n = 5) of the participants had an ATE; most of these events occurred near the time of cancer diagnosis. After adjustment for demographics, geographic region, and cardiovascular risk factors, compared to the noncancer controls, participants with incident cancer had an increased risk of ATE in the first 30 days after diagnosis (hazard ratio, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-15.9). There was no association between cancer diagnosis and ATE beyond 30 days. Cancers with known metastases and types considered high risk for venous thromboembolism had the strongest associations with ATE.

CONCLUSIONS

Incident cancer is associated with an increased short-term risk of ATE independent of vascular risk factors.

Cancer Exacerbates Ischemic Brain Injury Via Nrp1 (Neuropilin 1)-Mediated Accumulation of Regulatory T Cells Within the Tumor

Background and Purpose- Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect against stroke; however, Treg-based therapy raises concerns in stroke patients with cancer because of the immunosuppressive function of Tregs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Tregs in cerebral ischemic brain injury with concomitant cancer. Methods- To establish a cancer phenotype, MC38 colon cancer or B16 melanoma cells (5×10⁵/mice) were injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6J mice 2 to 3 weeks before distal middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery. Infarct volume, neuroinflammation, and Tregs infiltration were measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, immunofluorescence staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry. Mechanistically, Nrp1 (neuropilin-1) monoclonal antibody was used to block the Nrp1 effect on Tregs ex vivo before being transferred into recombination activating gene 1 (Rag1-/-) stroke mice, which are devoid of T and B cells, or a Nrp1 neutralization antibody was injected systemically into cancer-bearing wild-type mice after stroke. Results- Cancer-bearing mice with stroke exhibited augmented neuroinflammation and fewer Tregs in the brain, but more infiltration of Tregs to the tumor was apparent after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Depletion of Tregs increased infarct volume in stroke mice but did not further exacerbate brain injury in cancer-bearing stroke mice. Nrp1 blocking ex vivo or Nrp1 systemic neutralization attenuated ischemic brain injury and reversed accumulation of Tregs within tumor after stroke in cancer-bearing mice. Conclusions- Nrp1 signaling mediated accumulation of Tregs within tumor might play a critical role in exacerbating ischemic brain injury in cancer-bearing mice and may represent a promising immune modulatory target for the combined condition of cancer and stroke.

Circulating DNAs, a Marker of Neutrophil Extracellular Traposis and Cancer-Related Stroke: The OASIS-Cancer Study

Background and Purpose- The role of circulating neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in cancer-related stroke is unknown. Methods- We conducted a prospective cohort study to test whether NETs are increased in cancer-related stroke and whether elevated NETs levels are associated with coagulopathy, assessed using D-dimer levels (≥2 μg/mL). Plasma DNA and nucleosome were assessed as NET-specific biomarkers. Results- In total, 138 patients were recruited; 38 patients had cancer-related stroke (active cancer and acute cryptogenic embolic stroke), 33 patients were healthy-controls, 27 patients were cancer-controls (active cancer but no stroke), and 40 patients were stroke-controls (acute ischemic stroke but no cancer). Plasma DNA and nucleosome levels were significantly elevated in cancer-related stroke patients than in healthy-controls (P<0.05). These levels were correlated with the D-dimer levels (P<0.01). In multiple regression analyses, increased plasma DNA levels were associated with cancer-related stroke (odds ratio=11.65 for highest quartile; 95% CI, 3.199-42.46) and D-dimer levels of ≥2 μg/mL (odds ratio=19.09 for highest quartile; 95% CI, 4.143-87.95) after adjusting for possible confounders. Conclusions- Increased circulating DNA levels were associated with cancer-related stroke, suggesting that NETosis is one of the molecular mechanisms of cancer-related stroke. Further long-term follow-up studies in large cohorts are needed to confirm the role of NET-specific biomarkers.

Arterial thromboembolic events preceding the diagnosis of cancer in older persons

Cancer patients face an increased risk of arterial thromboembolism; however, it is uncertain when this excess risk begins. This study evaluated the risk of arterial thromboembolism before cancer diagnosis. Using the population-based Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare linked dataset, we identified 374 331 patients ≥67 years of age with a new primary diagnosis of breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, bladder, uterine, pancreatic, gastric cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma from 2005 through 2013. Cancer patients were individually matched by demographics and comorbidities to Medicare beneficiaries without cancer, who served as controls. Validated diagnosis codes were used to identify arterial thromboembolic events, defined as a composite of myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. The Mantel-Haenszel estimator was used to compare risks of arterial thromboembolic events between cancer and noncancer groups during 30-day periods in the 360 days before date of cancer diagnosis. From 360 to 151 days before cancer diagnosis, the 30-day interval risks of arterial thromboembolic events were similar between cancer patients and matched controls. From 150 to 1 day before cancer diagnosis, the interval 30-day risks of arterial thromboembolic events were higher in cancer patients vs matched controls, progressively increasing as the cancer diagnosis date approached and peaking during the 30 days immediately before cancer diagnosis, when 2313 (0.62%) cancer patients were diagnosed with an arterial thromboembolic event vs 413 (0.11%) controls (odds ratio, 5.63; 95% confidence interval, 5.07-6.25). In conclusion, the risk of arterial thromboembolic events begins to increase 150 days before the date of cancer diagnosis in older persons and peaks in the 30 days before.

Extracellular Vesicles of Neutrophils

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles that mediate intercellular communications. As professional phagocytes, neutrophils also produce EVs in response to various inflammatory stimuli during inflammatory processes. Neutrophil-derived EVs can be categorized into 2 subtypes according to the mechanism of generation. Neutrophil-derived trails (NDTRs) are generated from migrating neutrophils. The uropods of neutrophils are elongated by adhesion to endothelial cells, and small parts of the uropods are detached, leaving submicrometer-sized NDTRs. Neutrophil-derived microvesicles (NDMVs) are generated from neutrophils which arrived at the inflammatory foci. Membrane blebbing occurs in response to various stimuli at the inflammatory foci, and small parts of the blebs are detached from the neutrophils, leaving NDMVs. These 2 subtypes of neutrophil-derived EVs share common features such as membrane components, receptors, and ligands. However, there are substantial differences between these 2 neutrophil-derived EVs. NDTRs exert pro-inflammatory functions by guiding subsequent immune cells through the inflammatory foci. On the other hand, NDMVs exert anti-inflammatory functions by limiting the excessive immune responses of nearby cells. This review outlines the current understanding of the different subtypes of neutrophil-derived EVs and provides insights into the clinical relevance of neutrophil-derived EVs.

Ischemic stroke in cancer patients: A review of an underappreciated pathology

Currently 1 in 10 patients with ischemic stroke have comorbid cancer, and this frequency is expected to increase with continued advances in cancer therapeutics prolonging median survival. Well known for its association with venous thrombosis, cancer has recently emerged as a significant risk factor for arterial thromboembolism, including stroke; however, the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. In addition, the optimal strategies to prevent and acutely treat stroke in cancer patients are yet to be established. This review summarizes the current evidence on ischemic stroke risk, biomarkers, pathophysiology, treatments, and prognosis in cancer patients, emphasizing knowledge gaps and the potential strategies to address them. Ann Neurol 2018;83:873-883.

Tissue factor as a mediator of coagulation and signaling in cancer and chronic inflammation

Thrombosis is frequently diagnosed as a first symptom in tumor patients and the clinical management of hypercoagulability in cancer patients remains challenging due to concomitant changes in risk factors for severe bleeding. It therefore remains a priority to better understand interactions of the hemostatic system with cancer biology. Specifically, further research is needed to elucidate the details and effects of new anticoagulants on extravascular coagulation and the interplay between cancer progression and chronic inflammation. In addition, it will be important to identify subgroups of cancer patients benefiting from specific modulations of the coagulation system without increasing the bleeding risk. Here, we review recent findings on tissue factor (TF) regulation, its procoagulant activity and TF signaling in the various cell types of the tumor microenvironment.

Thrombosis in adult patients with acute leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent studies indicate that the risk of thrombosis in hematologic patients may be similar or even higher than that found in patients with solid tumors. However, available information about pathogenesis and incidence of thrombosis in acute leukemia is limited. This review focuses on mechanisms underlying thrombosis in acute leukemia and discusses recent literature data.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the last few years, proofs have been provided that leukemic cells release free prothrombotic products, such as micro-vesicles, tissue factors, circulating free DNA and RNA. Furthermore, leukemic blasts can activate the procoagulant population of platelets, which initiate and amplify coagulation, causing thrombosis. In addition to factors produced by acute leukemia itself, others concur to trigger thrombosis. Some drugs, infections and insertion of central venous catheter have been described to increase risk of thrombosis in patients with acute leukemia.

SUMMARY

Thrombosis represents a serious complication in patients affected by myeloid and lymphoid acute leukemia. A proper knowledge of its pathophysiology and of the predisposing risk factors may allow to implement strategies of prevention. Improving prevention of thrombosis appears a major goal in patients whose frequent conditions of thrombocytopenia impede an adequate delivery of anticoagulant therapy.

Bidirectional risk between venous thromboembolism and cancer in East Asian patients: synthesis of evidence from recent population-based epidemiological studies

BACKGROUND

Unprovoked (idiopathic) venous thromboembolism (VTE) with no obvious antecedent risk factors, is associated with a significant risk of subsequent occult cancer. Conversely, there is a heightened risk of VTE in cancer patients. This bidirectional risk can be estimated from population-based cohort studies conducted in East Asians.

METHODS

A literature search using medical subject heading terms and Boolean logic in PubMed and MedLine was performed in April 2017. Twenty-two papers reported from East Asia were retrieved for study and data synthesis. Proportional meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to synthesize data with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) when appropriate.

RESULTS

Synthesis of data on VTE incidence in the East Asian population (I2 = 76.2%) showed that pooled incidence was 20.3 (95% CI, 11.2-32) per 100,000 person-years. VTE incidence steadily increased with age. Unprovoked VTE accounted for 35% (95% CI, 24%-48%) of all cases of incident VTE (I2 = 99.7%). The overall cancer risk was significantly higher (2.3-fold) in the VTE cohort than in comparators. Among the patients with unprovoked VTE, approximately 7% had a subsequent cancer diagnosis within 2 years of the first episode of idiopathic VTE. The risk of VTE recurrence was increased in cancer patients (adjusted odds ratio, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.26-1.99). VTE incidence was 9.9 per 1,000 person-years in cancer patients, particularly in liver, pancreas, and lung cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Newly diagnosed VTE incidence is estimated at approximately 4,400 new cases annually in Taiwan and 7,100 in South Korea. Similar to the trend in VTE incidence among the general population, VTE risk in East Asian cancer patients is markedly lessened.

Hypercoagulability and Mortality of Patients with Stroke and Active Cancer: The OASIS-CANCER Study

Background and Purpose

Patients with active cancer are at an increased risk for stroke. Hypercoagulability plays an important role in cancer-related stroke. We aimed to test whether 1) hypercoagulability is a predictor of survival, and 2) correction of the hypercoagulable state leads to better survival in patients with stroke and active cancer.

Methods

We recruited consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and active systemic cancer between January 2006 and July 2015. Hypercoagulability was assessed using plasma D-dimer levels before and after 7 days of anticoagulation treatment. The study outcomes included overall and 1-year survival. Plasma D-dimer levels before and after treatment were tested in univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. We controlled for systemic metastasis, stroke mechanism, age, stroke severity, primary cancer type, histology, and atrial fibrillation using the forward stepwise method.

Results

A total of 268 patients were included in the analysis. Patients with high (3rd–4th quartiles) pre-treatment plasma D-dimer levels showed decreased overall and 1-year survival (adjusted HR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.46–3.31] and 2.70 [1.68–4.35], respectively). After anticoagulation treatment, post-treatment D-dimer level was significantly reduced and independently associated with poor 1-year survival (adjusted HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.01–1.05] per 1 μg/mL increase, P=0.015). The successful correction of hypercoagulability was a protective factor for 1-year survival (adjusted HR 0.26 [CI 0.10–0.68], P=0.006).

Conclusions

Hypercoagulability is associated with poor survival after stroke in patients with active cancer. Effective correction of hypercoagulability may play a protective role for survival in these patients.