A retrospective assessment of thrombocytosis and platelet count variations in cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A single center study

Abstract

Objective: To assess thrombocytosis and other platelet variations in cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Eswatini, for monitoring of cancer progression and treatment efficacy.

Methods: This is a retrospective record-based observational study conducted on 150 cervical cancer patients aged 18–72 years being treated at the Manzini Government Hospital, Eswatini, between 2021 and 2024. Data analyzed included platelet counts at pre-, intra-, and
post-chemotherapy phases, demographic variables, clinical stage (I–IV), comorbidities, chemotherapy regimens (3–9 cycles of Paclitaxel singly or in combination with Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide, or Cisplatin), and treatment outcomes.

Results: The mean age was 46.3 years, with the 41–50 age group being most represented (p<0.05). Stage III was the most frequent diagnosis (60%) while common comorbidities included HIV, hypertension, and diabetes. Mean platelet counts were 248,700 ± 95,222/µL
(95% CI: 193,000–292,500) before chemotherapy, 587,747 ± 120,044/µL (95% CI: 491,000– 669,000) during treatment, and 312,105 ± 83,296/µL (95% CI: 250,000–375,000) post-therapy, showing significant variation (p<0.05). Thrombocytosis predominated during chemotherapy,
especially in stage IV patients, with paclitaxel therapy showing moderate increases. No significant association was found between platelet count and comorbidities.

Conclusion: Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytosis may serve as a useful indicator of treatment-related hematological changes and warrants further investigation as a potential prognostic marker of advanced disease and treatment response. Continuous platelet monitoring is recommended to improve prognostic assessment and therapeutic outcomes in cervical cancer management.