Dr. Sarah Bailey - UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

Blood platelet counts at the higher end of normal suggest a high risk of cancer in men aged 60 or over, and should be investigated, according to new University of Exeter research. Platelets perform a crucial function in blood, including helping blood to clot, which helps us heal wounds. However, Exeter researchers have previously found that cancer risk is significantly raised by having an abnormally high blood platelet count (more than 400 x 109/l,) a condition known as thrombocytosis. Now, they have found that cases of cancer greatly increased in older males with a platelet count on the high end of normal range (326 to 400 x 109/l), indicating that these patients should be investigated for cancer.

https://www.brightsurf.com/news/article/072720515706/higher-end-of-normal-blood-platelet-count-could-indicate-cancer.html

http://www.businessworld.in/article/Study-finds-higher-end-of-normal-blood-platelet-count-could-indicate-cancer/28-07-2020-302193/

[2:40] Why start looking at platelets?/ study overview.

• 2005: tried to utilize early signs of lung cancer.
• Platelet count was thrown into the mix as a potential risk marker.
• Raised platelet count was present in 14% of lung cancer subjects.
• This study looks at the diagnostic usefulness of platelet count in various forms of cancer.
• 50,000 subjects.
• Indiscriminate blood tests.
• 6% of women and 8% of men with elevated platelet count had cancer.
• 1/3 had no markers except for platelet count.

[9:20] the subjects desired were those with secondary thrombocytosis.

[10:20] What about those on the high end of normal?

• Still a slightly smaller correlation with cancer rates in men and women.

[13:25] Why the correlation?

• Perhaps increase in growth factors from tumors is increasing platelet count.
• Maybe background inflammation that contributes to cancer is also raising blood platelet count.

[15:29] Senescent cells- how can we individualize cancer treatment in the U.K.?

[22:53] Is there a method to distinguish what type of cancer that could possibly have if you have a higher platelet count?

• Rapid change in platelet count may be a better indicator than total platelet count.

[29;36] Sleep apnea and birth control: do they affect platelet count?

[37:49] Anti inflammatories- are their blood-thinning effects due to action on platelets?

• Seonlytic action could also reduce inflammation.

[45;35] What should physicians take from this research?

• Understand that higher platelet counts warrant further examination for cancer.