Coagulation/fibrinolysis and circulating tumor cells in patients with advanced breast cancer.
Luc Y DirixSteffi OeyenAndy BuysVincent LiégoisAnnemie ProvéTom Van De MooterSteven Van LaerePeter B VermeulenPublished in: Breast cancer research and treatment (2022)
A significant association exists between increasing CTC number and increased D-dimers and decreased platelet counts, suggesting a potential role for CTCs as a direct contributor of intravascular coagulation activation. In patients with advanced and progressive breast cancer, abnormalities in routine coagulation tests is the rule. In patients with terminally advanced breast cancer a "leukemic" phase with high CTC count is prevalent.