Comparative Studies of Blood Coagulation and Platelet Aggregation in Patients with Cancer and Nonmalignant Diseases

Blood coagulation and platelet function was evaluated in 106 hospitalized patients with cancer and compared with 40 patients with nonmalignant diseases and 50 normal subjects. The mean value of the prothrombin time was prolonged in patients both with and without cancer. The activated partial thromboplastin time was accelerated in both groups of patients. The mean values of fibrinogen, cryofibrinogen, factor VIII, and factor V were similarly elevated in patients with and without cancer. Changes of optical density during adenosine diphosphate ( ADP )-induced platelet aggregation as well as aggregation of platelets in the Chandler system were comparable in both groups of patients. Elevation of platelet counts and positive tests for fibrinolytic split products were observed only in patients with cancer. Coagulation abnormalities were observed in many patients who had no clinical evidence of thromboembolism or disseminated intravascular coagulation. The simultaneous elevation of several clotting factors, together with evidence of abnormal platelet aggregation and the presence of fibrinolytic split products, may have value for predicting impending intravascular coagulation in patients with cancer.