Plasma D-Dimer Levels are Elevated in Radiation Oncology Patients
Natalia Louneva1, Amit Maity1, Ann R Kennedy1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Radiation Research
|November 2, 2019
Summary
Radiation therapy significantly elevates D-dimer levels in cancer patients, increasing the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Leukemia patients show a marked increase, necessitating frequent D-dimer monitoring post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Radiology
Background:
- D-dimer is a marker of coagulation activation.
- Radiation therapy is a cornerstone treatment for various cancers.
- The impact of radiation on D-dimer levels and subsequent coagulation risks is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of radiation therapy on plasma D-dimer levels.
- To assess the association between radiation exposure and the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Main Methods:
- D-dimer levels were measured in cancer patients (prostate, breast, lung, leukemia) and healthy controls.
- Measurements were taken pre-, on-, and post-radiotherapy.
- Statistical analysis compared D-dimer levels across time points and between patients and controls.
Main Results:
- Overall, D-dimer levels were significantly altered by radiotherapy compared to controls.
- Radiation exposure significantly increased D-dimer levels on- and post-radiotherapy compared to pre-radiotherapy levels.
- Leukemia patients exhibited a substantial post-radiotherapy D-dimer increase (5.43-fold), indicating a heightened DIC risk.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy is associated with elevated D-dimer levels, suggesting an increased risk of DIC in oncology patients.
- Leukemia patients undergoing total-body irradiation require vigilant D-dimer monitoring for early DIC detection.
- Increased awareness of radiation-induced DIC risk is crucial for the radiation oncology community.
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