GDF15 and cancer: Additionally, GDF-15 has been associated with bleeding in patients with chronic kidney disease, those with acute coronary syndrome, and those without cardiovascular disease.17, 18, 19 Furthermore, in a post hoc analysis of the AVERT (Apixaban for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients) trial, which assessed direct oral anticoagulants for primary VTE prevention in cancer patients, GDF-15 levels were associated with bleeding risk in the apixaban group, which included 235 patients and 5 major bleeding events.16