Characteristics and outcome of breast cancer-related microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia: a multicentre study
Authors
Marion Alhenc-Gelas, Luc Cabel, Frederique Berger, Suzette Delaloge, Jean-Sebastien Frenel, Christelle Levy, Nelly Firmin, Sylvain Ladoire, Isabelle Desmoulins, Pierre-Etienne Heudel, Florence Dalenc, Delphine Loirat, Coraline Dubot, Perrine Vuagnat, Elise Deluche, Meriem Mokdad-Adi, Anne Patsouris, Josselin Annic, Lounes Djerroudi, Marion Lavigne, Jean-Yves Pierga, Paul Coppo, Francois-Clement Bidard
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cancer-related microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) is a rare but life-threatening paraneoplastic syndrome. Only single cases or small series have been reported to date. We set up a retrospective multicentre study focusing on breast cancer-related MAHA.
Methods
Main inclusion criteria were known diagnosis of breast cancer, presence of schistocytes and either low haptoglobin or cytopenia and absence of any causes of MAHA other than breast cancer, including gemcitabine- or bevacizumab-based treatment. Patient characteristics, treatments and outcome were retrieved from digital medical records.
Results
Individual data from 54 patients with breast cancer-related MAHA were obtained from 7 centres. Twenty-three (44%) patients had a breast tumour with lobular features, and most primary tumours were low grade (grade I/II,
Conclusions
Breast cancer-related MAHA appears to be a new feature of invasive lobular breast carcinoma. Prognostic factors and scores may guide clinical decision-making in this serious but not always fatal condition.