A stepwise-backward likelihood multiple regression analysis for the prediction of the presence of bone marrow micrometastases was performed, including Chalkley count, serum IL-6, D-dimers, fibrinogen, platelet count, serum VEGF-A, plasma VEGF-A, T-stage, N-stage, oestrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, tumour type and differentiation status. Here, VEGFA is linked to neoplasm.