Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
04:40
Venous Thrombosis Assay in a Mouse Model of Cancer
Published on: January 5, 2024
Arterial thrombosis associated with malignant disease
M Javid1, T R Magee, R B Galland
1Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, Berkshire, UK.
Summary
Patients with cancer experiencing arterial thrombosis have a poor prognosis, with survival rates significantly lower than those with atherosclerotic disease. Arterial thrombosis in cancer patients is often an end-stage event, suggesting palliative care may be most appropriate.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
- Hematology
Background:
- The link between cancer and venous thrombosis is known, but the association with arterial thrombosis is less understood.
- Chemotherapy's role in arterial thrombosis is unclear compared to the malignancy itself.
- This study investigates outcomes for cancer patients presenting with arterial thrombosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the outcomes of patients diagnosed with malignancy and arterial thrombosis.
- To compare the prognosis of arterial thrombosis in cancer patients versus those with atherosclerotic disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients with malignancy and arterial thrombosis.
- Data collected included patient demographics, cancer type, thrombosis details, treatment, and survival.
Main Results:
- Twenty patients with malignancy and arterial thrombosis were identified; 16 in the last four years.
- Metastatic breast cancer was most common; leg thrombosis occurred in 19 cases.
- Survival was poor: 50% at 3 months, 17% at 1 year; 17 patients died within a median of 8 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Arterial thrombosis in cancer patients has a significantly worse outcome than in atherosclerotic disease (1-year survival ~17% vs. ~80%).
- Arterial thrombosis is frequently an agonal event in patients with advanced malignancy.
- Conservative or palliative management may be the most suitable approach for these patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...