Activity of heparins in experimental models of malignancy: Possible explanations for anticancer effects in humans

Heparin and heparin-like compounds appear to possess anticancer properties apart from their anticoagulant activities. This paper reviews recent data on heparins in experimental models of tumor growth and metastasis and discusses various mechanisms by which heparins may inhibit cancer progression. The growing body of evidence supporting the antineoplastic activity of heparins provides the rationale for their widespread testing in cancer patients for the purpose of improving cancer-related survival. Their improved safety, convenience and ease of outpatient administration compared to unfractionated heparin, as well as the suggestion of superior anticancer activity, make the low molecular weight heparins the preferred agents to test in prospective cancer trials.