Deep Vein Thrombosis: An Independent Poor Prognosis Factor of Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Background/aim Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA) is frequently associated with venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Although the prognostic value of VTEs remains controversial, these events can darken the prognosis. In contrast, because they necessitate anticoagulant therapy, some authors found that VTEs improved the prognosis. Indeed, anticoagulants could have an anti-tumor action. Therefore, we evaluated the prognostic value of VTEs in patients with locally advanced or metastatic PA. Patients and methods This retrospective study included all patients followed in a medical oncology Department. The prognostic value of tumor parameters, initial patients' characteristics and VTEs were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Based on 142 patients, analyses revealed independent pejorative prognostic value of: VTEs (hazard ratio (HR)=1.49 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-2.15); p=0.03), interval between PA diagnosis and metastases occurrence (HR=0.97 (95% CI=0.94-0.99), p=0.02) and ≥1 metastatic sites (HR=1.82 (95% CI=1.076-3.087), p=0.02). Conclusion VTEs are an independent factor of poor prognosis in patients with advanced PA.