Incidence and risk factors of pulmonary embolism in cancer patients

Background and aim Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a critical complication significantly more prevalent in cancer patients due to factors such as hypercoagulability, immobility, and chemotherapy. The incidence and risk factors vary with cancer type, treatment, and patient demographics, necessitating a detailed investigation to enhance management and outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and identify risk factors of PE in cancer patients, focusing on demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes to inform prevention strategies. Patients and methods Conducted at the South Egypt Cancer Institute, this study combined retrospective and prospective analyses of cancer patients admitted over a year. It involved history taking, clinical and laboratory evaluations, and radiological investigations to identify PE cases and associated risk factors. Results Among 294 patients, 91 were diagnosed with PE. Significant risk factors included a history of surgery (62.6% in the PE group vs. 34.9% in non-PE) and previous deep vein thrombosis (82.4% vs. 2.9%). The PE group showed a higher mean international normalized ratio and D-dimer levels. Breast, thyroid, and lung cancers were the most associated with PE. Anticoagulant therapy predominantly involved low-molecular-weight heparin. Conclusion Cancer patients, particularly those with a history of surgery or deep vein thrombosis, exhibit a higher risk of PE, with specific cancer types showing greater association. These findings underscore the necessity for vigilant PE risk assessment and management in cancer patients, advocating for further research to validate these observations.