Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Cancer

Abstract

Thrombosis is a frequent complication of cancer that is a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality. The association of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and cancer has been under investigation for several years. Recent findings suggest an increased prevalence of certain cancers in aPL-positive patients; thus, an intensive search for an occult malignancy is prompted in these patients. In addition, several studies reported on elevated levels of aPL in various malignancies; it seems, however, that aPL levels do not reflect their pathogenicity; therefore, their pathological significance in these subset of patients is still elusive. Continuing research on the association between the antiphospholipid syndrome/aPL and malignancies is important, given the potential impact on the understanding and treatment of both antiphospholipid syndrome and cancer.

Cancer complicating systemic lupus erythematosus – a dichotomy emerging from a nested case-control study

“…In addition, several studies reported on elevated levels of aPL antibodies in various malignancies. 43 …”

The Clinical Significance of Both IgM and IgG Anticardiolipin Antibodies in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

“…These antibodies have been found in association with many malignancies, particularly hematological malignancies including lymphomas, acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia and lymphoproliferative disorders [16,28].…”

Late-onset primary antiphospholipid syndrome in the elderly: a report of seven cases

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