Analysis of thromboembolic events in head and neck cancer patients who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin: A real-world study

Abstract Background The risk of thromboembolic events (TEE) in cancer patients, especially those receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy, is higher than that of general population. Methods The study investigated the incidence of TEE in 257 head and neck (H&N) cancer patients, during or within 6 months of completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with cisplatin, and analyzed factors affecting TEE occurrence. Results TEE occurred in 5 patients, an incidence rate of 1.9%. Khorana score was the only factor associated with TEE occurrence (p = 0.010). Conclusions The incidence of TEE in H&N cancer patients who underwent CCRT with cisplatin was relatively low when compared to other types of cancer. However, patients with a high Khorana score require more careful surveillance for possible TEE occurrence.