Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) has been reported as a complication of chemotherapy. Many antineoplastic agents have been linked to TMA, gemcitabine being one of the most frequently cited as related to this syndrome.
METHODS
A retrospective search for chemotherapy-induced TMA cases among gemcitabine users in a single oncology centre from January 2009 to September 2012 was performed.
RESULTS
Three cases of gemcitabine-induced TMA were reported, from a total of 264 patients (incidence: 1·13%) who received the drug. From the three cases reported, two (66%) patients died as a consequence of the syndrome.
DISCUSSION
These findings are compatible with previous analyses, which report an incidence of gemcitabine-associated TMA ranging from 0·008 to 2·2% and mortality rates from 15 to 90%. Unlike previously reported, however, cumulative dose was not predictive of risk.
CONCLUSION
Gemcitabine-induced TMA is an underdiagnosed condition characterized by high mortality rates. Attention should be called for a higher level of awareness to provide early diagnosis and proper treatment.
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