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Alterations in Platelet Surface Sialyltransferase Activity and Platelet Aggregation in a Group of Cancer Patients with a High Incidence of Thrombosis¹

Hematology-Oncology Service [S. J. S., D. B. K.] and Department of Hematology [S. F. S., M. J. H.], Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D. C. 20012

Platelet aggregation, platelet surface sialic acid, and platelet surface sialyltransferase activity were studied in a group of 12 cancer patients with a high incidence of thrombosis. These patients demonstrated accelerated coagulation, increased Factor VIII antigen and ristocetin cofactor, and enhanced adenosine 5'-diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation. Platelet exogenous sialyltransferase activity was increased in cancer patients (117.6 ± 14 pmol/10⁹ platelets) as compared to controls (59.0 ± 4.3 pmol/10⁹ platelets, p < 0.01). Platelet exogenous sialyltransferase activity and platelet aggregation were inhibited by aspirin. Thrombosis and bleeding have complicated the clinical course of half of these patients. This platelet membrane analysis provides additional data which may be related to current observations of increased levels of plasma sialyltransferase activity and serum sialic acid in cancer patients.

¹ The opinion or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. Part of this work appeared in abstract form (27).

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Hematology-Oncology Service, Department of the Army, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D. C. 20012.

Received 8/ 8/78. Accepted 2/27/79.