Abstract
Background and Objective
Increased thromboembolic events are well known in patients suffering from malignant diseases. In the following pilot study, we investigated the usefulness of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) as a possible prognostic marker in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC).
Methods
Plasma FVIII levels were measured in 79 patients with CRC, correlated with tumor characteristics, and compared with normal ranges of blood group (BG) 0 and BG A/AB/B and with 19 control patients.
Results
In CRC patients mean FVIII levels were elevated compared with controls (BG 0: p=0.283, BG A/AB/B: p=0.001) and normal ranges. Interestingly, mean FVIII levels varied significantly in different blood groups (p=0.002). UICC stage I CRC patients presented with mean FVIII plasma levels within normal ranges, whereas UICC stage II-IV CRC patients presented with elevated FVIII plasma levels. In BG A/AB/B a significantly elevated FVIII level was found in G2 compared with G1 tumors (p< 0.001). Patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen also showed significantly elevated FVIII levels (p=0.050). FVIII levels at time of surgery did not correlate with survival within the first 2 years following surgery.
Conclusion
In this pilot study, we demonstrated that FVIII plasma levels are elevated in patients with CRC and affected by T-stage and differentiation of the tumor. Whether FVIII is a clinical useful marker needs to be tested in a larger cohort.