Tumor-Specific D-Dimer Concentration Ranges and Influencing Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Interaction between coagulation and inflammatory system in liver disease: re-focus on hematological markers

Aim: This study uses blood routine, coagulation and biochemical indicators to explore the relationship between the hematological parameters of patients with various types of liver diseases.Methods: The Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the hematological parameters and clinical characteristics of three groups of patients with different degrees of liver disease. Spearman correlation analysis is used to analyze the correlation between two continuous variables. The logistic regression model evaluated the odds ratio between variables and disease changes. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to understand the predictive value of each index in relation to the progress of liver disease.Results: There are differences in inflammation and coagulation profiles among different types of liver diseases and there is a correlation between them. In addition to the traditional marker α-fetoprotein, the inflammatory marker c-reactive protein and the coagulation marker D-dimer also have good diagnostic value for liver injury.Conclusion: The coagulation and inflammation systems interact, are connected and play essential roles in the liver.

Elevated preoperative plasma D-dimer level is an independent prognostic factor for pediatric patients with Wilms tumor

INTRODUCTION

Elevated plasma D-dimer levels are an unfavorable prognostic indicator for various tumors. However, its predictive value for prognosis in pediatric patients with Wilms tumor (WT) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical and prognostic value of preoperative plasma D-dimer levels and other clinicopathological characteristics in patients with favorable histology WT (FHWT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 74 children with FHWT from January 2010 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathologic characteristics, preoperative laboratory parameter results, including D-dimer level, and follow-up data were collected. Based on the postoperative recovery status, the patients were divided into tumor-free survival and disease progression groups. The risk factors affecting disease progression in pediatric patients with WT and the impact of plasma D-dimer levels on overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 33 months (range: 2-145 months), 56 patients survived without progression. Relapses and metastases occurred in 18 patients, of which four survived and 14 died. Higher preoperative plasma D-dimer levels (>0.865) (Odds ratio [OR] = 7.240, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.276-33.272, P = 0.011) and tumor rupture (OR = 19.984, 95% CI = 1.182-338.013, P = 0.038) were independent prognostic factors for disease progression. Additionally, patients with elevated D-dimer levels demonstrated a worse 5-year OS than those with low D-dimer levels (Hazard ratio (HR) =4.278, 95% CI = 1.074-17.035, P = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated D-dimer levels are a prognostic factor for a poorer outcome in pediatric patients with WT and are expected to become a clinical biomarker for predicting the prognosis of WT.

Preoperative Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index as a Predictive Biomarker for Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis after Breast Cancer Surgery: Stratified Nursing Intervention to Reduce Incidence

BACKGROUND Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT), a common postoperative breast cancer complication, depends on multiple factors, such as systemic inflammation and immune status. We assessed the preoperative systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) as a LEDVT risk predictor and did stratified nursing intervention based on it. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 552 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery from January 2019 to May 2020. Univariate and multivariate methods were used to screen independent risk factors for postoperative LEDVT, and effects of risk stratification and nursing intervention on the validation cohort were observed. RESULTS A total of 46 patients (8.3%) developed postoperative LEDVT. Compared with the control group, the LEDVT group had older age, higher proportion of menopause, higher preoperative Autar score, SII, and plasma D-dimer level, lower albumin level, and later postoperative pathological stage, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed SII, plasma D-dimer, and menopause were independent predictors of postoperative LEDVT. ROC curve analysis showed SII had the strongest predictive ability, with an AUC of 0.714. Subsequently, 126 patients in the validation set were stratified according to the preoperative SII score, and intensified nursing intervention was implemented for high-risk patients, resulting in a significant reduction in the incidence of LEDVT (3.3% vs 8.3%, P=0.046). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative SII level can be used as an independent risk predictor of postoperative LEDVT in breast cancer patients. Applying it for risk stratification and implementing intensified nursing intervention for high-risk patients can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative LEDVT.

Clinical and laboratory features of different types of cancer-associated thrombosis

Background: Patients with cancer showed a high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with a poor prognosis. The risk factors for VTE in different types of cancers may differ. Methods: The clinical features and laboratory test results of cancer patients with VTE in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 2014 to 2020 were evaluated and compared. Results: Among the eligible patients, gastrointestinal cancer (GI cancer), lung cancer and gynecological cancer accounted for the top three. This study included 49 patients with GI cancer, 31 with lung cancer and 31 with gynecological cancer. The proportion of patients who underwent surgery in GI cancer or gynecological cancer group was significantly higher than that for lung cancer (69.4% and 80.6% vs 12.9%, both P<0.001). Red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) levels were lower in the gynecological cancer group than that in the lung cancer group (P = 0.014 and 0.029, respectively), while red cell distribution width (RDW) was higher in the GI cancer group than that in the lung cancer group and gynecological cancer group (P = 0.047 and 0.010, respectively). Prothrom bin time (PT) was shorter in the gynecological cancer group than that in the GI and lung cancer group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively). The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in the lung cancer group was longer than that in the GI and gynecological cancer group (P = 0.029 and 0.003, respectively). There was no difference in LOS and successful treatment rate among the groups. However, the VTE cure rate in the gynecological cancer group is higher than that in the GI cancer group (90.3% vs 61.2%, P = 0.005). The probability of continuing to take anticoagulants after discharge in the gynecological cancer group is lower than that in the GI and lung cancer groups (6.5% vs 30.6% and 32.3%, P = 0.011 and 0.022 respectively). Conclusion: VTE risk factors of different types of cancers and laboratory test results were not exactly the same. Thrombosis prevention and treatment should be implemented according to the characteristics of the different types of cancer.

Unveiling the diagnostic enigma of D-dimer testing in cancer patients: Current evidence and areas of application

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). A combined strategy of D-dimer testing and clinical pre-test probability is usually used to exclude VTE. However, its effectiveness is diminished in cancer patients due to reduced specificity, ultimately leading to a decreased clinical utility. This review article seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of how to interpret D-dimer testing in cancer patients.

METHODS

In accordance with PRISMA standards, literature pertaining to the diagnostic and prognostic significance of D-dimer testing in cancer patients was carefully chosen from reputable sources such as PubMed and the Cochrane databases.

RESULTS

D-dimers have not only a diagnostic value in ruling out VTE but can also serve as an aid for rule-in if their values exceed 10-times the upper limit of normal. This threshold allows a diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients with a positive predictive value of more than 80%. Moreover, elevated D-dimers carry important prognostic information and are associated with VTE reoccurrence. A gradual increase in risk for all-cause death suggests that VTE is also an indicator of biologically more aggressive cancer types and advanced cancer stages. Considering the lack of standardization for D-dimer assays, it is essential for clinicians to carefully consider the variations in assay performance and the specific test characteristics of their institution.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardizing D-dimer assays and developing modified pretest probability models specifically for cancer patients, along with adjusted cut-off values for D-dimer testing, could significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of VTE diagnosis in this population.

Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: A Taiwanese Perspective on Therapeutic Options with Focus on Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a common complication of malignancies. Patients with CAT are at risk of venous thromboembolism recurrence, but also at risk of bleeding while anticoagulated. Taiwanese patients are perceived to have a lower incidence of CAT, likely leading to false reassurance for Taiwanese patients with cancer. Because of this, oncologists and cardiologists from multiple medical institutions in Taiwan have set forth to provide clinical consensus guidelines on the management of CAT, based on local clinical practices and guided by predominant international clinical practice guidelines. This paper aims to describe the current disease burden of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism in Taiwanese cancer patients, and discusses the unmet needs and gaps in the management of this medical complication. It also outlines diagnostic and management strategies relevant to the different treatment options available, such as non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Multiple D-Dimer Cutoff Thresholds and Other Clinically Applicable Biomarkers for the Detection and Radiographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism

Background: Diagnostic work-up of pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a challenge. Methods: We retrospectively studied all patients referred for computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with suspicion of PE during a 12-month period (2018). The diagnostic accuracy of different D-dimer (Dd) cutoff thresholds for ruling out PE was evaluated. Furthermore, the association of Dd and red cell distribution width (RDW) with embolus location, CTPA findings, and patient outcome was recorded. Results: One thousand seventeen (n = 1017) patients were finally analyzed (mean age: 64.6 years (SD = 11.8), males: 549 (54%)). PE incidence was 18.7%. Central and bilateral embolism was present in 44.7% and 59.5%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for conventional and age-adjusted Dd cutoff was 98.2%, 7.9%, and 98.2%, 13.1%, respectively. A cutoff threshold (2.1 mg/L) with the best (64.4%) specificity was identified based on Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis. Moreover, a novel proposed Dd cutoff (0.74 mg/L) emerged with increased specificity (20.5%) and equal sensitivity (97%) compared to 0.5 mg/L, characterized by concurrent reduction (17.2%) in the number of performed CTPAs. Consolidation/atelectasis and unilateral pleural effusion were significantly associated with PE (p < 0.05, respectively). Patients with consolidation/atelectasis or intrapulmonary nodule(s)/mass on CTPA exhibited significantly greater median Dd values compared to patients without the aforementioned findings (2.34, (IQR 1.29−4.22) vs. 1.59, (IQR 0.81−2.96), and 2.39, (IQR 1.45−4.45) vs. 1.66, (IQR 0.84−3.12), p < 0.001, respectively). RDW was significantly greater in patients who died during hospitalization (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Age-adjusted Dd increased diagnostic accuracy of Dd testing without significantly decreasing the need for imaging. The proposed Dd value (0.74 mg/L) showed promise towards reducing considerably the need of CTPA. Multiple radiographic findings have been associated with increased Dd values in our study.

Effectiveness of managing suspected metastasis using plasma D-dimer testing in gastric cancer patients

Tumor metastasis is closely related to the coagulation system. Tumor metastasis and hypercoagulability promote each other through multiple mechanisms. However, whether coagulation indicators can reflect tumor metastasis remains to be explored. Clinical characteristics of a total of 3447 patients from three tertiary referral centers were collected. Then the diagnostic efficacy of FDP, D-dimer and GC tumor markers [Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and Carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4)] for GC metastases was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. Then we conducted a joint ROC curve analysis. The effects of coagulation parameters and tumor markers on gastric cancer metastasis were assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. 2049 patients were diagnosed with primary GC, 1398 patients with metastatic GC. Based on comparison of AUC, FDP (cutoff, 1.915) had significantly higher diagnostic efficacy than fibrinogen (P<0.001), CEA (P<0.001), CA199 (P<0.001) and CA724 (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between D-dimer (cutoff, 0.905) and FDP (P=0.158). The AUC of tumor markers combined with coagulation indexes was higher than that without combination (P<0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, age, smoking, D-dimer, FDP, CEA, CA19-9, CA72-4 were found to be significantly associated with GC metastasis (all P<0.001, except for smoking P=0.004). We conclude that plasma FDP and D-dimer may be novel clinical biomarkers for screening metastases of GC.

The Relationship Between D-dimer and Prognosis in the Patients with Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein-Positive Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background:

Alpha-fetoprotein-positive gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a subtype of gastric cancer that is rare in clinical practice and extremely malignant. Malignant tumors are often associated with hemorrhage, thrombosis, and even disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The D-dimer test is used as a sensitive index in the diagnosis of DIC and fresh thrombosis in malignant tumors. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between D-dimer values and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with serum AFPGC (AFP ⩾ 15 μg/L) patients.

Methods:

Overall, 120 healthy subjects and 120 AFP-negative gastric cancer (AFP < 15μg/L) patients from May 2017 to July 2018 at the Shanxi Cancer Hospital served as the control group in this retrospective cohort study. Additionally, 120 patients with pretreatment advanced serum AFP were chosen to analyze clinicopathologic features and factors that affect prognosis. The predictor was the D-dimer, and the outcome variable was overall survival (OS). Other variables included age, sex, tumor site, T-stage, distant metastasis, and preoperative serum tumor biomarkers. Differences in OS rate were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 9.2.0.332. The Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results:

In comparison to AFP-negative gastric cancer, we discovered that D-dimer had a meaningfully higher presentation in patients with AFPGC (P < .001). Based on D-dimer median levels, the AFPGC patients were divided into two groups, including 39 patients with low D-dimer (<1000 ng/mL) and 81 patients with high D-dimer (⩾1000 ng/mL). The variables, including T-stage, distant metastasis, and expression of HER2, were associated with the value of D-dimer. The D-dimer levels were weakly related to the levels of tumor markers. The differences in AFPGC patients, with an OS rate of 30.76% for patients with low D-dimer (<1000) and 12.30% with high D-dimer (⩾1000; P = .0027), were statistically significant. Cox multivariate analysis of various parameters indicated that T-stage, distant metastasis, vascular embolism, level of D-dimer, and tumor biomarkers of AFP were independent risk factors for survival.

Conclusion:

Serum D-dimer levels may be a valuable indicator for predicting AFPGC metastasis and progression.

Coagulation Factor XIII Subunit A Is a Biomarker for Curative Effects and Prognosis in Malignant Solid Tumors, Especially Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Background

The expression of coagulant factor XIII subunit A (FXIII-A) is significantly increased in some types of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). However, few studies on plasma FXIII-A in cancer patients have been conducted and have shown contradictory results, so the relationship of plasma FXIII-A with the progression and prognosis of malignant tumors is still unknown. This study explored the association of plasma FXIII-A with a curative effect and the prognosis of patients with malignant solid tumors.

Methods

We monitored plasma FXIII-A before and during systemic therapy and assessed its relationship with the curative effect and prognosis of malignant solid tumors, especially non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), by propensity-adjusted, multivariable logistic regression analysis and survival curve, in a prospective study of 1147 patients with different types of malignant solid tumors. The influencing factors of plasma FXIII-A were also analyzed.

Results

We found that D-dimer (D2) = 1 mg/L was the inflection point for the association between FXIII-A and D2: FXIII-A was significantly negatively correlated with D2 (r = -0.39, p < 0.01) and FDP (r = -0.40, p < 0.01) in D2 > 1 mg/L but uncorrelated with D2 or FDP in D2 ≤ 1 mg/L, which provided a method to find a more realistic plasma FXIII-A level. Plasma FXIII-A was positively correlated with age, platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). It was found for the first time that plasma FXIII-A was abnormally significantly increased (FXIII-A > 150%) in post-therapy patients, especially in NSCLC and lung metastasis patients, and the incidence of FXIII-A > 150% in lung adenocarcinoma was 16 times higher than that in lung squamous carcinoma. FXIII-A > 150% proved to be an independent risk factor for disease progression in NSCLC patients (OR=5.74, 95% CI: 1.20-27.60, p = 0.029), predicting poor efficacy. The marked decrease in plasma FXIII-A (FXIII-A < 40%) was related to coagulation disorders and poor prognosis with a short survival time (median survival time of 4 months).

Conclusions

Plasma FXIII-A has the potential to be a real-time biomarker with bidirectional indicator effects to assess curative effects and prognosis in malignant solid tumors, especially NSCLC.

A nomogram model to predict the venous thromboembolism risk after surgery in patients with gynecological tumors

OBJECTIVE

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common post-surgical complication of gynecological malignant tumors that has serious implications on the prognosis and quality-of-life of patients. However, there exists only a few recognized specific evaluation models for the occurrence of VTE after gynecological malignant tumor surgery. We aimed to establish a nomogram model that could predict the probability of post-surgical VTE in patients with gynecological malignancies.

METHODS

We collected the clinical information of 673 patients who underwent surgery for gynecological malignant tumor in our hospital between January 2014 and May 2020. To reduce bias from confounding factors between groups, a 1:1 ratio propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed; meanwhile, univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to analyze the risk factors of VTE after surgeries. A nomogram prediction model was accordingly established and internally validated.

RESULTS

The predictors contained in the nomogram model included age, D-dimer value, body mass index (BMI), and surgical approach. The C-index of the model was 0.721 (95% confidence interval: 0.644-0.797), with good discrimination and calibration effect. The internally verified C-index value was 0.916. Decision curve analysis confirmed that the nomogram model was clinically useful when the incidence of thrombosis in patients was 10-75%.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the risk factors of VTE after surgery for gynecological malignant tumor, a high-performance nomogram model was established and then validated to provide individual risk assessment and guide treatment decisions.

The Plasma Concentration of D-Dimer is Associated with Neoadjuvant-Chemotherapy Efficacy and the Prognosis in Osteosarcoma

PURPOSE

This retrospective study explored the clinical value of the plasma D-dimer level in osteosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured the plasma D-dimer level before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (D0) and the plasma D-dimer level after four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (D1) in 103 patients with stage-IIB high-grade osteosarcoma of the limb. The change in the D-dimer level (ΔD) was defined as D1 minus D0. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Analyses of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were undertaken to determine the optimal cutoff points for D0, D1, and ΔD. The area under the ROC (AUC) of D0, D1, and ΔD was calculated to evaluate their discriminatory abilities in monitoring the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (tumor necrosis). Survival curves were generated according to Kaplan-Meier analyses and compared using the Log rank test. Univariate analyses and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier curves showed that a high D-dimer level at D0 and tumor diameter ≥8 cm were associated significantly with worse overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed a high D-dimer level at D0 (hazard ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.756-5.804; P=0.000) was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. The chi-square test showed ΔD to be associated significantly with tumor necrosis. Analyses of ROC curves showed the D-dimer level at D0 and ΔD had better ability compared to that at D1 to discriminate the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The D-dimer level was correlated with the prognosis and response to chemotherapy in patients with stage-IIB high-grade osteosarcoma of the limb. The D-dimer level may serve as a risk factor of the response to chemotherapy and prognosis of localized osteosarcoma.

Is Preoperative Plate-Lymphocyte Ratio a Predictor of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Oral Cancer During Surgery?

PURPOSE

Detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is necessary to reduce the morbidity of venous thromboembolism, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is a novel marker for predicting DVT. This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative PLR and risk of developing DVT in patients receiving surgical treatment of oral cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We designed a retrospective cohort study, and the source of study sample was patients with oral cancer and who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2019. Patients were excluded if they did not undergo surgical treatment and had preoperative DVT and history of hypercoagulable disorders. The primary predictor variable was PLR. We calculated the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve to determine the best-defined risk groups. The best cutoff value for PLR was 187.4 (area under the curve, 0.772; sensitivity, 75.0%; specificity, 74.2%; P = .002). The primary outcome variable was DVT, and the other variables were patient characteristics, blood examination data, and therapeutic data. A logistic regression analysis was used to adjust the effects of potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were included in this study, and DVT was observed in 12 (11.9%) patients. Free flap reconstructive surgery was performed in 8 of the 12 (66.7%) patients in the DVT group. Statistical analyses showed that DVT was significantly associated with PLR (≤187.4 vs >187.4; P = .001). Logistic multivariate analysis of the preoperative parameters identified the following 2 independent predictive factors for DVT: PLR (≤187.4 vs >187.4) (odds ratio, 13.735; 95% confidence interval, 2.950 to 63.944; P = .001) and free flap reconstructive surgery (odds ratio, 6.584; 95% confidence interval, 1.504 to 28.822; P = .012).

CONCLUSIONS

High PLR (>187.4) and free flap reconstructive surgery, considered as preoperative predictive factors, were associated with DVT.

The Association between D-Dimer and Prognosis in the Patients with Oral Cancer

D-dimer levels are reported to relate with tumor stage, prognosis, and lymph node involvement, as well as overall survival (OS) in patients with solid tumors. The purpose of this study was to investigate association between the value of D-dimer and the prognosis of oral cancer (OC). We designed a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a sample of patients who were diagnosed with OC and treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy. The predictor was the D-dimer and outcome variable was OS. Other variables included age, neutrocyte count, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and management. Differences in OS rate were analyzed by log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to adjust for the effects of potential confounders. Differences with a P value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In 88 patients with OC, D-dimer median value for the predicting OS was 0.7 µg/mL. There was a significant difference in OS when patients were stratified according to D-dimer, with an OS rate of 77.8% for patients with low D-dimer (<0.7), and 57.3% with high D-dimer (≥0.7) (p = 0.035). Univariate analyses revealed close correlations between OS and age, neutrocyte count, NLR, CRP, and D-dimer (<0.7 and ≥0.7). Cox multivariate analysis identified management (mainly surgery vs. radiotherapy) (HR 3.274, 95% CI 1.397–7.676; p = 0.006) as independent predictive factors for OS. There was a significant difference in OS when patients were stratified according to D-dimer with low (<0.7) and high D-dimer (≥0.7) (p = 0.035). Though, as a predictive factor, management was associated with OS.

Deep Venous Thrombosis in a Patient with a Moderate Pretest Probability and a Negative D-Dimer Test: A Review of the Diagnostic Algorithms

Modern diagnostic strategies of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been developed. In this review, the diagnostic algorithms for deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and their parameters are discussed individually in the context of reporting a case of DVT in a 43-year-old Caucasian female with a moderate pretest probability stratified by Wells’ score and a negative high quality D-dimer test. The patient was on treatment with Xarelto (rivaroxaban), 20 mg PO daily at the time of presentation. The diagnosis was verified through a complete lower limb ultrasound (US). This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and pitfalls of the current algorithms, especially those seen in a subgroup of patients such as patients with cancer, pregnancy, recurrent VTE or are on anticoagulation therapy at the time of presentation. The diagnosis of DVT is less plausible in a patient who is on anticoagulation therapy, but physicians should be aware of such a possibility. Physicians should also know in advance the numerous clinically relevant limitations of D-dimer testing before interpreting the results. Unifying the current diagnostic strategies, modifying the current Wells’ score and using the protocol of a whole-leg compression US instead of the limited US protocol are among the several cautious suggestions that have been proposed based on this review to possibly decrease the incidence of missed DVT.

Postoperative D-dimer elevation affects tumor recurrence and the long-term survival in gastric cancer patients who undergo gastrectomy

INTRODUCTION

We retrospectively evaluated the blood coagulation activity using the D-dimer level in the early period after gastrectomy and investigated whether postoperative hypercoagulation affects tumor recurrence and long-term survival in gastric cancer patients.

METHODS

The study involved 650 patients who underwent curative resection for gastric cancer at Kanagawa Cancer Center between July 2009 and July 2013. They were divided into a low-D-dimer group (LD group) and high-D-dimer group (HD group) according to the median D-dimer level on postoperative day (POD) 7. The risk factors for overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) were identified.

RESULTS

Of the 448 enrolled patients, 218 were classified into the LD group and 230 into the HD group. The 5-year OS rates after surgery were 90.8% and 81.3% in the LD and HD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-year RFS rates after surgery were 89.9% and 76.1% in the LD and HD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). A high D-dimer level on POD 7 (≥ 4.9 μg/ml) was identified as an independent predictive factor for both the OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.955, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.158-3.303, p = 0.012) and RFS (HR 2.182, 95% CI 1.327-3.589, p = 0.002). Furthermore, hematological recurrence was significantly more frequent in the HD group than in the LD group (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

A high D-dimer level on POD 7 may predict tumor recurrence and the long-term survival in patients who undergo gastrectomy for locally advanced gastric cancer. Patients with an elevated postoperative D-dimer level need careful observation and diagnostic imaging to timely detect tumor recurrence.

Epidemiology and diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in lung cancer patients: is there a role for age adjusted D-dimers cutoff?

Our knowledge about the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) and the performance of age adjusted D-dimers (Dd) cutoff amongst patients with lung cancer (LC) and suspected PE, remains limited. We retrospectively analyzed all clinically suspected patients who underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in a tertiary hospital during a 19 month period. Cancer diagnosis was established using ICD10 code. Eligible for Dd analysis were those tested up to 24 h prior to the scan. We analyzed 2549 patients (54.6% males, median age 68.8 years, IQR 57-78), 15.8% had active LC and 5.4% other cancers (oC), while 70% were scanned in the Emergency Department (ED) and the rest during hospitalization. Overall incidence of PE was 16%. LC, but not oC, increased significantly the risk for PE (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.21-2.06). LC patients were less likely to have bilateral (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.07-0.4) or central PE (aOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.09-0.48). Amongst those diagnosed with PE in the ED, LC increased all-cause inhospital mortality (aOR 6.7, 95% CI 2.64-16.95). When age adjusted instead of conventional Dd cutoff was used for ruling out PE in the ED, specificity for LC patients increased (10.16% vs 3.91%) without false negative tests (negative likelihood ratio-NLR = 0). A higher cutoff of 1.13 mg/l raised specificity to 28.9%, with only one case missed (sensitivity: 97.4%, NLR: 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.64). LC increases the risk for PE and adversely affects prognosis. Age adjusted and probably an even higher, "LC adjusted" Dd cutoff, could increase the specificity of the test without compromising its sensitivity.

Plasma D-Dimer Levels are Elevated in Radiation Oncology Patients

D-dimer plasma levels were evaluated to determine whether they are altered by radiation. D-dimer levels were measured in radiation oncology patients, who were diagnosed with prostate, breast or lung cancer, or leukemia, as well as in healthy subjects serving as controls. Blood samples from radiotherapy patients were taken at three different time points: pre-, on- and post-radiotherapy. For the patients, considered together, differences between the D-dimer levels at these three time points compared to controls were statistically significant. Compared to the pre-radiotherapy measurements, radiation exposure was associated with a significant increase in the D-dimer levels at the on- and post-radiotherapy time points. At the post-radiotherapy time point, D-dimer levels in the patients were not significantly reduced compared to the on-radiotherapy levels, indicating that the risk for developing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) may be increased in some radiation oncology patients. Of particular concern are the post-radiotherapy results observed for the D-dimer levels in the leukemia patients, in which the average fold increase in the D-dimer levels was 5.43 (compared to the pre-radiotherapy levels). These results suggest that leukemia patients might benefit from frequent assessment of their D-dimer levels after their total-body irradiation-conditioning regimen to detect early signs of DIC development. It is hoped that the results described here will lead to heightened awareness in the radiation oncology community that the risk of DIC development is greatly increased in some of these patients.

Preoperative plasma D-dimer level is a useful prognostic marker in ovarian cancer

A high pre-treatment plasma D-dimer level was recently identified as a poor prognostic factor in several malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of plasma D-dimer levels in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Data of 199 patients were retrospectively analysed. The relationships between pre-treatment D-dimer levels and other clinical parameters and prognosis were evaluated. Univariate analysis identified age, pre-treatment plasma D-dimer level, massive ascites, residual tumours, pre-treatment CA125 level, histological type, and FIGO stage as predictors of overall survival. The multivariate analysis showed that a high pre-treatment plasma D-dimer level (p=.017), residual tumours (p < .001), and FIGO stage (p = .036) were independent risk factors of overall survival. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) did not influence overall survival (p=.091). High pre-treatment D-dimer levels are associated with a poor prognosis independent of VTE status in EOC patients, and might be a useful prognostic biomarker.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? In recent years, a high pre-treatment plasma D-dimer level has been identified as a prognostic factor in several malignancies, but only a handful of studies have assessed the role of pre-treatment plasma D-dimer levels in patients with EOC patients. Thus, the clinical significance and prognostic value of the plasma D-dimer level in EOC remain controversial, and there is also debate related to the association of the higher mortality rate among cancer patients with elevated D-dimer levels with VTE.What do the results of this study add? In our study, high pre-treatment D-dimer levels are associated with a poor prognosis independently of VTE in EOC patients.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The D-dimer level might emerge as a valuable prognostic biomarker, which will help doctors in the choice of initiating a more aggressive therapy, the combination of chemotherapy with anticoagulation therapy.

Analysis of the expression of D-dimer, CD147 and miR203 and their correlation in gastric cancer

Objectives:

To evaluate the relationship of D-dimer, CD147 and miR-203, and detect the influence of these biomarkers on the pathological characteristics in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods:

The patients with gastric cancer treated using radical gastrectomy between May 2013 and October 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The expression of D-dimer, miR203 and CD147 was measured for all the patients, and the clinical data including age, gender, tumor size, tumor differentiation, invasion depth, lymphatic metastasis, TMN stage, and pathological type were retrieved and analyzed. The study was carried out in affiliated Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Qingzhou, China.

Results:

Two hundred sixty patients with gastric cancer were included. The patients with tumor metastasis, larger tumor diameter, lower differentiation, lymphatic metastasis, deeper invasion, and higher TMN stage presented with a significantly higher D-dimer and CD 147 expression, but the level of the two biomarkers didn’t show a significant difference in patients with different pathological type, gender and age. Compared with CD147 and D-dimer, miR203 presented with different characteristics of expression. In addition, the expression of miR203 was negatively correlated with CD147 and D-dimer, and there was a positive correlation between CD147 and D-dimer in patients with gastric cancer.

Conclusion:

In this study, a close correlation of D-dimer, miR203 and CD147 was found, and these three biomarkers should be screened in gastric cancer patients.

Appraisal of Basic-Hemostatic Markers in Lung Cancer Patients During Follow-Up Care After Radiotherapy Treatment

BACKGROUND The aim of this paper was to investigate the association between clinicopathological factors and the coagulation test in lung cancer patients during follow-up care after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-five medical patients with histologically proven advanced lung carcinoma (LC) who had undergone radiotherapy were prospectively reviewed between January 2014 and December 2016. The study investigated the relationship between the biochemical results, the disease stage, and the survival rate in lung cancer patients. Post-treatment coagulation-based D-dimer (DD), fibrinogen (Fib), and complete blood count (CBC) were evaluated during the follow-up over a period of 2 years after treatment or until the patient's death. RESULTS An increase of D-dimer generates an increased chance of early death by approximately 0.03% per 1 D-dimer unit. In cases when the difference in the D-dimer concentration equals 1000, the risk of an early death increases by (1.00031000-1)×100%=35%. CONCLUSIONS High levels of D-dimer are associated with an advanced form of disease with metastasis and higher risk of early death in lung cancer patients.

Significance and Prognostic Value of The Coagulation Profile in Patients with Glioblastoma: Implications for Personalized Therapy

BACKGROUND

Coagulation is an important aspect of the vascular microenvironment in which brain tumors evolve. Patients with tumor often show aberrant coagulation and fibrinolysis activation. In particular, glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumor, is associated with a state of hypercoagulability, and venous thromboembolism is a common complication of this cancer and its treatment. Our study aims to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of routine laboratory tests to assess the coagulative state of patients with brain tumors, to identify potential new prognostic factors and targets for personalized therapy.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from patients with GBM (n = 58) and patients with meningioma (MNG, n = 22), before any treatment. The parameters analyzed were prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), D dimer (DD), fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (VWF), leukocyte count, and hemoglobin levels.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of PT and aPTT were significantly reduced in GBMs compared with MNGs (P < 0.05), whereas DD, VWF:Ag levels, and leukocyte count were significantly higher in GBMs than in MNGs (P < 0.01). Furthermore, we observed that patients with GBM with reduced PT and aPTT and high levels of DD and VWF, defined as hypercoagulable patients, showed reduced overall survival (P < 0.05) compared with nonhypercoagulable patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support the assumption that patients with GBM show a plasma hypercoagulable profile and that coagulation profile is related to adverse outcome in patients with GBM. If confirmed, hypercoagulability could play an important role as a prognostic factor of the disease and in the decision of an antithrombotic prophylaxis.

Inflammatory Markers and MicroRNAs: The Backstage Actors Influencing Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a deadly disease, afflicting the lives of millions worldwide. The prognosis of CRC patients is best predicted by surgical resection and pathological analysis of specimens. Emerging evidence has attributed a significant role to inflammatory markers and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the prognosis and survival of CRC patients.

AIM

Here, we review the literature on inflammatory markers and miRNAs with an established role on survival rates, response to systemic chemotherapy, and other clinic-pathological parameters in CRC patients.

RESULTS

Our literature review revealed a critical role of inflammatory markers—specifically, the acute-phase proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and blood cell ratios—on prognostic outcomes in CRC patients. MiRNAs, on the other hand, were useful in predicting prognosis and clinical response and accordingly stratifying CRC patients for optimal drug selection.

CONCLUSION

These biomarkers are easily measured in routine blood exams and can be used in adjunct to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system to identify high-risk patients and those who are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy and other targeted therapies. However, more prospective studies are needed for the validation of these discussed prognostic and predictive biomarkers.

High pretreatment plasma D-dimer predicts poor survival of colorectal cancer: insight from a meta-analysis of observational studies

D-dimer, one of the canonical markers of hypercoagulability, was reported to be a potential prognostic marker of colorectal cancer. However, an inconsistent conclusion existed in several published studies. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive insight into the prognostic role for pretreatment D-dimer in colorectal cancer. Six databases (English: Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science; Chinese: CNKI, Wangfang and VIP) were utilized for the literature retrieval. Hazard ratio (HR) was pooled by Stata 12.0. A total of fifteen studies (2283 cases) corresponded to this meta-analysis and provided available data to evaluate the prognostic role of D-dimer for colorectal cancer. The pooled HR reached 2.167 (95%. CI (confidence interval): 1.672-2.809, P < 0.001) utilizing random effect model due to obvious heterogeneity among the included studies (I²: 73.3%; P < 0.001). To explore the heterogeneity among the studies, we conducted a sensitivity analysis and found a heterogeneous study. After removing it, the heterogeneity reduced substantially (I²: 0%; P = 0.549) and we obtained a more convincing result by fixed effect model (HR = 2.143, 95% CI = 1.922-2.390, P < 0.001, 14 studies with 2179 cases). In summary, high pretreatment plasma D-dimer predicts poor survival of colorectal cancer based on the current evidence. Further prospective researches are necessary to confirm the role of D-dimer in colorectal cancer.