VEGF Inhibitors Do Not Increase D-dimer Levels in Colorectal Cancer Patients Without Venous Thromboembolism : A Retrospective Non-inferiority Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIM: If VEGF inhibitors contribute to an increase in D-dimer levels, they may adversely affect the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Consequently, this retrospective study examined the effects of VEGF inhibitors on D-dimer levels in colorectal cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 104 colorectal cancer patients who received chemotherapy, were included in this study. To perform D-dimer analysis, patients were divided into two analysis targets: patients with VTE and without VTE. Statistical analysis included a natural logarithmic transformation of D-dimer data. RESULTS: In the D-dimer analysis of non-VTE patients, the natural logarithm D-dimer mean difference was -0.186, with a 95% CI of -0.525 to 0.154. The upper limit of the 95%CI (0.154) did not exceed the non-inferiority margin (Δ) of 0.199, and therefore met the non-inferiority criteria. CONCLUSION: VEGF inhibitors don't contribute to increased D-dimer levels in colorectal cancer patients without VTE.