THE CLINICAL VALUE OF D-DIMER LEVELS IN CERVICAL CANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF DISEASE PROGRESSION AND RECURRENCE

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v10i5.1429

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Department of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, Africa University, Zimbabwe.

10.22270/ujpr.v10i5.1429

Keywords:

biomarkers, cervical cancer, D-Dimer, prognosis, treatment strategies

Abstract

Cervical cancer continues to be a significant global health issue, especially in low- and middle-income nations, where late-stage diagnosis and elevated recurrence rates hinder treatment success. Thus, it is essential to identify trustworthy, accessible biomarkers to aid in the early detection of disease progression and recurrence. Among coagulation indicators, D-dimer a byproduct of fibrin breakdown has attracted growing interest for its possible clinical significance in cervical cancer. Increased D-dimer concentrations indicate hypercoagulability, tumor-related angiogenesis, and systemic inflammation, all of which are essential to cancer biology. This narrative review investigates the clinical significance of D-dimer in cervical cancer, assessing its function in risk stratification, tracking treatment response, and forecasting recurrence. We emphasize proof connecting high D-dimer levels to progressed disease stage, metastasis, and unfavorable prognosis, while also addressing its incorporation with imaging and additional hematological indicators to improve diagnostic precision. Issues like assay variability, absence of standardized cut-off values, and confounding factors influencing D-dimer levels are thoroughly assessed. Ultimately, we suggest future research avenues, such as validation studies, integration into predictive models, and investigation of D-dimer within multi-biomarker panels for precision oncology. Connecting coagulation science and oncology, D-dimer presents a potential supplementary marker to facilitate prompt interventions and enhance clinical results in cervical cancer.