Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Thromboembolism in Elderly Patients With Stage IV Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is associated with a high risk of thromboembolism. The incidence and mortality of lung cancer increased in the population over 60 years old. Our research aimed to reveal the risk factors and prognosis of thromboembolism in elderly patients with stage IV lung cancer. METHODS: Metastatic lung cancer patients over 60 years of age at the Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University between 1 January 2011 and 30 June 2019 were screened. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to reveal the risk factors for thromboembolism. Log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to determine the prognosis of this cohort. RESULTS: Four hundred and fourteen-patients included in this study, 33 developed venous thromboembolism (VTE), and 39 developed arterial thromboembolism (ATE), respectively. Body mass index (BMI) and D-dimer level were independent risk factors associated with VTE. History of hypertension was an independent risk factor related to ATE. Older patients with ATE were associated with shorter overall survival (OS) of 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of BMI and D-dimer were related to VTE, while hypertension was related to ATE. ATE was associated with a poorer prognosis. In clinical practice, appropriate prevention and treatment of thromboembolism should be conducted in this cohort.