Paraneoplastic syndromes

• Paraneoplastic syndromes are indirect effects of cancer that are often associated with specific types of cancer and may be reversible with treatment of the cancer
• Examples:
  • Lambert-Eaton syndrome → lung (small cell) carcinoma
  • SIADH → lung (small cell) carcinoma
  • Ectopic ACTH secretion → lung (small cell) carcinoma
  • Hypercalcaemia → renal, breast, myeloma, lymphoma

Coagulopathy of cancer

• May present with thrombophlebitis, DVT and PE, particularly in association with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, and breast

Cachexia of advanced cancer

• Thought to be due to release of chemokines such as TNF, as well as decreased appetite in patients
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of a patients body weight should always stimulate a search for an explanation

Cancer-associated immunosuppression

• Can lead to reactivation of latent infections such as herpes zoster and tuberculosis