Predictive value of tissue factor bearing microparticles in cancer associated thrombosis

Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are a common complication of cancer and its therapy. Prognostic models and biomarkers are currently under investigation as a means to identify cancer patients who are at greatest risk for developing thromboembolic complications and thus are most likely to benefit from primary thromboprophylaxis. Elevations in circulating tissue factor bearing microparticles are associated with thrombosis in cancer patients. We initiated the MicroTEC study which is a randomized, multi-center trial to evaluate the benefit of low molecular weight heparin to prevent VTE in high risk cancer patients. This review details the evidence for tissue factor bearing microparticles in the malignant state and its association with thromboembolic phenomena.