D-dimer and CA 125 levels in patients with ovarian cancer during antineoplastic therapy. Prognostic significance for the success of anti-cancer treatment

Cancer. 1992 May 1;69(9):2289-92. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(19920501)69:9<2289::aid-cncr2820690914>3.0.co;2-a.

Abstract

In patients with ovarian cancer before they receive chemotherapy, the level of fibrin degradation products (D-dimer), is correlated with the tumor load. In this study, the evolution of D-dimer was compared in patients receiving antineoplastic therapy with the evolution of the disease. The patients could be classified into three groups. In Group 1 (nine patients), both plasma CA 125 (a tumor-associated antigen) and D-dimer remained elevated; the prognosis was always poor. In Group 2 (eight patients), CA 125 and D-dimer decreased simultaneously, complete remission was observed in two patients, and significant residual tumor was observed in the others. In Group 3 (nine patients), despite an important decrease in CA 125, D-dimer remained elevated during therapy. In this group, complete remission was observed in six patients, and three others showed a large decrease in their tumor load. The combination of a decrease in CA 125 levels with a continuous enhanced level of D-dimer during chemotherapy identified a subgroup of patients with a favorable prognosis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / metabolism*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / blood*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate
  • Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products