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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Venous Thrombosis Assay in a Mouse Model of Cancer
Published on: January 5, 2024
Anticoagulant use in cancer patients
Javier Trujillo-Santos1, Manuel Monreal
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Univeritario Santa María del Rosell, Cartagena, Spain.
Introduction:
the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer adversely affects their prognosis. Several autopsy- and population-based studies have clearly shown a negative impact of VTE on patient outcome in cancer patients.
Areas Covered:
an up-to-date review of VTE prophylaxis and treatment in cancer patients is provided with some insights on areas of uncertainty to be answered in the near future. Particular attention is paid to recent cohort studies, randomized clinical trials and consensus guidelines.
Expert Opinion:
cancer patients at a higher risk for VTE may be identified with five variables easily available before initiation of chemotherapy. Long-term treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) demonstrated a superior efficacy over vitamin K antagonists. The intensity and duration of anticoagulant therapy should be tailored to the risk of VTE recurrences or bleeding in an individual patient.
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However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
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However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...