Cancer Linked to Stroke: New Study Reveals Clues

Cancer can significantly increase the risk of stroke through blood coagulation, according to an extensive review of 82 studies. This neurological complication is common in cancer patients, often appearing within six months of diagnosis. The review, published in the Journal of Neurology, analyzed epidemiological and pathophysiological data to understand this connection.

Lung and pancreatic cancers were found to have the most frequent links to stroke. The risk of clot formation in major arteries peaks in the first year after cancer diagnosis, with stroke being the most common outcome in about 72% of cases. While the risk gradually declines after the first year, it remains elevated for up to a decade.

Several biological mechanisms are suspected to connect cancer and stroke. These include the sticky molecule mucin produced by some cancer cells, which may trigger platelet aggregation. Membrane-bound particles and neutrophils are also believed to play a role in clot formation. Measuring D-dimer levels, a fragment left after clot dissolution, and specific MRI patterns showing lesions in three brain regions can help identify cancer-related strokes. Given the projected increase in cancer incidence, the burden of cancer-associated stroke is expected to rise, underscoring the need for improved recognition and management.