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Venous thromboembolism and malignancy
1University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of General Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Treatment & Emergency Care, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 437, Houston, TX 77030, USA. sgao@mdanderson.org
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|April 2, 2004
Summary
Malignancy significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to a hypercoagulable state. Current research refines VTE diagnosis and management strategies in cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- The link between malignancy and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been known for over 135 years.
- Cancer patients exhibit a markedly increased incidence of VTE.
- Malignancy and its treatments are established major risk factors for VTE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent clinical studies on VTE in malignancy.
- To describe the current understanding of thrombosis pathogenesis in cancer.
- To discuss the clinical implications of VTE in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical studies.
- Description of moleculobiological findings on hypercoagulability.
- Discussion of diagnostic and management advancements.
Main Results:
- Moleculobiological studies attribute high VTE risk to cancer-induced hypercoagulability.
- Diagnostic approaches for VTE are becoming easier and more accurate.
- Management strategies for VTE prophylaxis and treatment in cancer patients have been refined.
Conclusions:
- VTE is a significant complication of malignancy.
- Understanding the hypercoagulable state is key to managing VTE risk.
- Ongoing research improves VTE diagnosis and treatment in cancer care.