Markers of hemostasis activation and endothelial damage in patients with active cancer

Introduction. Increased expression of tissue factor by tumor cells, formation of procoagulant microparticles and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that activate leukocytes and endothelial cells are considered to be the main factors provoking blood coagulation activation in cancer patients.

The aim of the investigation was to study the peculiarities of hemostasis activation markers and endothelial damage in patients with active cancer.

Materials and methods. Patients with active cancer were included in the study. We determined the following biomarkers: fibrinogen (Fg), von Willebrand factor (vWF), D-dimer (D-d), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).

Results. Twenty-two patients with active cancer were included in the study. The median follow-up of the patients was 180 days (minimum 90, maximum 240). The presence of metastatic lesion was found in 62% of patients. At the end of the follow-up period (after 6 months) remission of the underlying disease was observed in 45.5% of patients, and 54.5% of patients were found to have progressed oncoprocess. GDF-15 levels ranged from 1486 to 11,722 pg/ml and were above normal values in all patients. Significant variability was also revealed in the level of VEGF-A - from 1 to 2944 pkg/ml, and only in 7 (32%) patients its level corresponded to normal values (0-66 pkg/ml). High levels of Fg (>3.6 g/L), D-d (>500 ng/ml), and vWF (>160%) were detected in 19 (86%), 18 (82%), and 17 (77%) patients, respectively.

Conclusions. The pilot study demonstrates a pronounced activation of the blood coagulation system and endothelial damage in patients with active cancer receiving chemotherapy and having a high risk of venous thromboembolic complications. The detected relationship of markers characterizing blood coagulation activation (D-d) and endothelial damage (vWF) with the progression of oncoprocess necessitates their further study in this category of patients.

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