Abstract
Research has established a direct link between the plasma level of D-dimer and underlying malignancy. D-dimer has a strong association with the detection and prognosis of several cancers. For these reasons, this literature review aimed to evaluate the usefulness of elevated D-dimer levels in the initial screening of cancer, cancer recurrence surveillance, and for use as a cancer prognostic tool. A search of PubMed up to February 1, 2021, was carried out by reviewers. This literature review includes studies investigating the relationship between pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels and cancer. From the findings, pretreatment D-dimer levels can assist with cancer screening and prognosis assessment. Pretreatment plasma D-dimer levels can function as an effective cancer recurrence control. Elevated pre-treatment plasma D-dimer concentration is valuable in facilitating cancer screening, predicting an augmented risk of cancer recurrence, and anticipating a worse cancer prognosis.
Highlights
BackgroundAbout 39.5% of people will have cancer at some point in their life [1]
Chen et al reported that according to their Retrospective Cohort Study data, elevated plasma D-dimer levels predicted an increased risk of cancer recurrence and a worse prognosis in patients diagnosed with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma, which is a rare urinary tumor with an unfavorable prognosis [19]
D-dimer plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with cancer and associated with clinical stages and metastasis
Summary
About 39.5% of people will have cancer at some point in their life [1]. Estimated national spending on cancer treatment in the United States in 2018 was $150.8 billion [1]. Chen et al reported that according to their Retrospective Cohort Study data, elevated plasma D-dimer levels predicted an increased risk of cancer recurrence and a worse prognosis in patients diagnosed with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma, which is a rare urinary tumor with an unfavorable prognosis [19]. Ay et al conducted a prospective and observational cohort study evaluating the prognostic value of D-dimer levels with the overall survival (OS) and mortality risk in 1,178 cancer patients [24] They indicated that elevated D-dimer levels were associated with an increased risk of death in patients with lymphomas, brain tumors, pancreatic, prostate, breast, lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers. In vivo studies in patients with breast cancer have shown significant associations between increased D-dimer levels with circulating tumor cells, invasion of lymphatics or blood vessels, and clinical stage [22]. Further research is required to clarify the biological mechanism of how high D-dimer impacts the development of malignancy in cancer patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
