Prognostic Significance of Thrombocytosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Carcinoma Treated with Chemoradiotherapy

Abstract

Background:

The outcome of chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma is highly variable and depends on various prognostic factors.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic significance of thrombocytosis in this group of the patients referred to our institution.

Methods:

Between January 2008 and December 2012, 195 patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages of IIB-IIIB), treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to a dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions along with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin 40 mg/m²), followed by HDR brachytherapy EQD2 of 30 Gy. The platelet counts were recorded pre-treatment and during treatment in all the patients.

Results:

Among the 195 patients, 101 (51.5%) belonged to stage IIB and 94 (48.5%) to stage IIIB. Thrombocytosis (platelet count > 400 × 10⁹/liter) was seen in 31 (15.8%) patients. The overall survival in thrombocytosis group is 41%, which is significantly less than the overall survival of the non-thrombocytosis group, which is 62%.

Conclusions:

Thrombocytosis is not a frequent finding in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma in our population; however, when it is present, it is associated with poor outcome in terms of survival.