Low-molecular-weight heparin and survival in lung cancer

Therapeutic developments have seen significant improvement in mortality over the past thirty years for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. Lung cancer is the commonest cancer in the world, but has seen little improvement in survival figures. The role of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in improving cancer survival has attracted increasing attention over the past decade. There are several clinical trials underway focussing specifically on LMWH and lung cancer survival. This article will review the evidence, to date, that supports the hypothesis that LMWH may improve lung cancer survival through several potential mechanisms; by preventing VTE-related mortality or by the exhibiting antimetastatic effects.