Background/aim: Following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, approximately half of all colorectal cancer patients develop sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). SOS can be monitored by measuring splenic volume; however, obtaining this measurement is not a simple process. In this study, we evaluated changes in hyaluronic acid (HA) concentrations as a simpler marker of SOS.
Patients and methods: We measured splenic volume and laboratory data, including hyaluronic acid concentration, liver enzymes, and platelet counts, in 34 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent radical resection and who received capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (CapeOx) chemotherapy.
Results: A strong correlation was identified between ≥30% increase in splenic volume and significantly elevated HA concentrations. Affected patients also had persistent thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction compared to patients without elevated HA concentration.
Conclusion: HA concentration may predict SOS in patients who receive CapeOx adjuvant chemotherapy.
Keywords: Hyaluronic acid; oxaliplatin; sinusoidal obstruction syndrome; splenic volume.
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