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Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cancer Associated Thrombosis Research in Rodent Models
Published on: January 5, 2024
Risk of Venous Thromboembolic Events After Surgery for Cancer
Johan Björklund1,2, Juhana Rautiola1,2, Renata Zelic1,2
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Cancer surgery significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), with risks varying by cancer type. This highlights the need for personalized VTE prophylaxis strategies after major cancer operations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Debate exists regarding the risks and benefits of thromboprophylaxis after cancer surgery.
- Accurate studies are needed to determine thrombosis risk following cancer surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 1-year risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after major cancer surgery.
- To assess how VTE risk varies over time post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, matched cohort study using Swedish population data (1998-2016).
- Included over 430,000 cancer surgery patients matched with cancer-free individuals.
- Analyzed 1-year incidence of VTEs, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Main Results:
- Cancer surgery was associated with a higher 1-year cumulative risk of pulmonary embolism across all cancer types studied.
- The hazard ratio for VTE peaked shortly after discharge, remaining elevated for 2-4 months.
- Significant variations in VTE risk were observed among different cancer types.
Conclusions:
- Major cancer surgery is linked to an increased incidence of VTE.
- The elevated risk persists for several months, influenced by cancer type and adjuvant treatments.
- Individualized VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis are crucial for patients undergoing cancer surgery.
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