Abstract 1885: Malignancies associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract

Background: Cancer and Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) are two common disorders. However, the relationship between these two diseases has rarely been reported in the literature. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the association between cancer and ITP. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 307 patients diagnosed with ITP in our institution between 2005 and 2009. The diagnosis of ITP was defined by a platelet count less than 140.109/l with normal or increased number of megakaryocytes on bone marrow aspirate, after exclusion of thrombocytopenia-induced medications or disorders, and absence of splenomegaly. Results: 32 patients (10.4 percent) were found to have cancer. Of these 32 patients, breast cancer accounted for 28.1 percent, prostate cancer for 18.8 percent, skin cancer for 15.6 percent, gastrointestinal cancer and multiple cancer history for 12.5 percent each, bladder cancer and lymphoma for 6.25 percent each. 12 patients (37.5 percent) had ITP before cancer diagnosis, and 16 patients (50 percent) after cancer diagnosis. Both diseases were concomitant in 4 patients (12.5 percent). Conclusion: 10.4 percent of patients with ITP have cancer. Breast cancer accounted for most of the cases followed by prostate cancer. Our data suggest an association between cancer and autoimmune platelet destruction, and further investigation is warranted to understand the exact mechanism. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1885. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1885