Prognostic value of plasma D-dimer levels in patients with colorectal cancer

Objective Plasma D-dimer levels have been shown to be increased in patients with various solid tumours including lung, prostate, cervical, ovarian, breast and colon cancer. The purpose of this prospective study was to estimate the plasma D-dimer level of patients with colorectal cancer before surgery and to assess whether it has a prognostic value. Method The study comprised 51 patients with colorectal cancer. Variables including demographic, clinical, operative and pathological findings and routine laboratory tests were recorded. In addition, tumour markers, coagulation tests and plasma D-dimer levels were evaluated. Results Histological types other than well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, relatively advanced tumour stage and a high preoperative plasma D-dimer level were the prognostic factors that were associated with shorter postoperative survival according to univariate analyses. The presence of vascular invasion was associated with higher preoperative D-dimer levels. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between postoperative survival and the presence of vascular invasion. Conclusion Postoperative survival was significantly shorter in colorectal cancer patients with elevated preoperative D-dimer levels. Evaluation of preoperative D-dimer level can be used to predict postoperative survival.