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Semin Thromb Hemost 2024; 50(03): 423-428
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775568
Review Article

ABO Blood Group and the Risk of Thrombosis in Cancer Patients: A Mini-Review

Salah Elsherif
1   Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
,
Ali Zidan 
1   Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
,
Olivia Saville
1   Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
,
Maha Othman 
1   Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
2   Department of Nursing, School of Baccalaureate Nursing, St. Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
3   Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansura, Egypt
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Abstract

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CT), especially venous thromboembolism (VTE), is a common occurrence with several factors contributing to a wide diversity in thrombosis risk. The association between ABO blood groups and the risk for CT has been examined in various studies, with non-O blood type associated with an increased thrombosis risk; however, these studies have reported varying results with recognized limitations. ABO blood groups are known to be implicated in hemostasis, in an association mediated through von Willebrand factor (VWF). In this narrative review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge surrounding the role of ABO blood groups in VTE, with a particular focus on the role of VWF and other contributing risk factors on VTE occurrence. We found evidence from literature for the impact of ABO blood groups in determining the risk of VTE in healthy populations, with a limited number of studies examining this effect in cancer patients. Additionally, research on the impact of ABO on different cancer types lacks rigor, particularly in regard to other risk factors. Overall, most studies showed strong association of increased risk of VTE amongst cancer patients with non-O blood groups and increased VWF levels. This association was weaker in a few studies. Further research is needed before a solid conclusion can be made about the ABO or ABO-VWF-mediated hypercoagulability and VTE risk in various cancers. These studies will help determine if ABO typing can be an added biomarker to improve VTE risk assessment models in cancer patients.

Keywords

cancer - thrombosis - blood group - antigens - von Willebrand factor


Publication History

Article published online:
26 September 2023

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