Prognostic Significance of Thrombocytosis in Locally Advanced Carcinoma Cervix Patients Treated with Chemoradiotherapy

The outcome of locally advanced carcinoma cervix patients treated with chemoradiotherapy is highly variable and depends on various prognostic factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic significance of thrombocytosis in this group of patients of our institution. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 195 patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB-IIIB], were treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to a dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions along with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin 40 mg/m2), followed by HDR brachytherapy EQD2 of 30 Gy. The platelet counts were recorded pre treatment and during treatment in all the patients. Among the 195 patients, 101 (51.5%) belonged to stage IIB and 94 (48.5%) to stage IIIB. Thrombocytosis (platelet count > 400 × 109/L) was seen in 31 (15.8%) patients. The overall survival in thrombocytosis group is 41% which is significantly less than the OS of the non-thrombocytosis group which is 62%. Thrombocytosis is not a frequent finding in patients with locally advanced carcinoma cervix in our population, but when present it is associated with poor outcome in terms of survival.