Inflammation and thrombotic risk in late-stage cervical cancer: An exploratory study of coagulation and cytokine profiles in a South African cohort

Purpose

This exploratory study investigates the possible relationship between inflammation and thrombosis in cervical cancer patients in South Africa, highlighting the need for improved thrombotic risk profiling.

Methods

Thromboelastography (TEG) was used to assess coagulation parameters in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from a small cohort of late-stage (III and IV) cervical cancer patients (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 15). Parameters assessed included clotting time, clot formation speed, and clot strength. A Luminex Multiplex assay was used to measure interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in PPP. Haematological profiles were also evaluated.

Results

Cervical cancer patients displayed a significantly shortened clotting time (p = 0.0044) and increased clot strength (p = 0.0003), suggesting enhanced coagulation. IL-1β was notably elevated (p = 0.0200), consistent with an inflammatory environment. Higher lymphocyte, neutrophil, and platelet counts (p = 0.0162, 0.0420, and 0.0374, respectively) were observed, indicating a possible prothrombotic state.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a potential link between inflammation and thrombosis in cervical cancer patients. However, due to this study’s small sample size and exploratory nature, direct relationships between these factors have yet to be definitively established and remain speculative. Thrombotic risk profiling may still offer value in managing patients, but further investigation is required to confirm these preliminary observations.