Plasma D-dimer and prothrombin fragment 1+2 in evaluating the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in advanced cancer patients and the effect of preventive anticoagulant therapy.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the role of D-dimer (DD) and prothrombin fragment 1+2 (PF1+2) in assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in advanced cancer patients, as well as the impact of preventive anticoagulant therapy.

Methods: A total of 137 advanced cancer patients admitted to the 908th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Joint Logistic Support Force Hospital between February 2023 and June 2024 were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (VTE group, n=49) or absence (non-VTE group, n=88) of VTE. Blood tests were performed at admission, and the relationship between DD, PF1+2, and VTE risk was analysed. Patients without VTE were further categorised into two treatment groups: the preventive anticoagulant treatment group (AG, n=48) and the conventional treatment group (RT, n=40), based on their preference. The incidence of VTE in both groups was compared to assess the effectiveness of preventive anticoagulant therapy.

Results: Before chemotherapy, DD levels were significantly higher in patients who developed VTE than those who did not. Both DD and PF1+2 were found to be independent risk factors for VTE after chemotherapy. The incidence of VTE was lower in the AG group than in the RT group, with a statistically significant difference.

Conclusions: DD and PF1+2 are reliable indicators for assessing VTE risk in advanced cancer patients and can help guide the use of preventive anticoagulant therapy.