Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
04:40
Venous Thrombosis Assay in a Mouse Model of Cancer
Published on: January 5, 2024
Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Freesia Horsted1, Joe West, Matthew J Grainge
1Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Plos Medicine
|August 4, 2012
Summary
Cancer patients face a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This risk varies significantly by cancer type and treatment, with brain, pancreatic, and lung cancers showing the highest incidence.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cancer patients have an elevated risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
- VTE risk in cancer is influenced by cancer type, stage, and treatment.
- Existing literature requires synthesis to accurately quantify VTE risk in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and quantify the absolute risk of VTE in cancer patients.
- To stratify VTE risk by malignancy site and patient background risk.
- To provide precise data for clinical decision-making regarding VTE prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Searched Medline and Embase databases (1966-2011).
- Included cohort studies of specific cancer types or representative cancer populations.
- Pooled VTE incidence rates using generic inverse variance method across 38 studies.
Main Results:
- Overall VTE risk in average-risk patients: 13 per 1,000 person-years.
- Highest VTE risk in average-risk patients: pancreas, brain, and lung cancers.
- High-risk patients (metastatic/high-risk treatment) had a VTE risk of 68 per 1,000 person-years, with brain cancer patients at 200 per 1,000 person-years.
Conclusions:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects over 1% of cancer patients annually.
- VTE risk is highly variable, dependent on cancer type and time since diagnosis.
- Quantified absolute VTE risks can inform anticoagulant prophylaxis decisions in cancer care.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:30Venous 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,...
01:30Venous 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...
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...