[Diagnosis and therapy of hemostatic disorders in oncology. A short review]

Hemorrhagic and thrombophilic diathesis are important symptoms in patients with neoplastic diseases. From that point of view it is not surprising that malignancy is often complicated by bleeding or thromboembolism. These clinical manifestations are due to the interaction of the tumor and components of the hemostatic system (platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolytic factors). Specific and adequate therapy of the neoplasm will result in the disappearance of the hemostatic disorder. If no effective antitumor therapy is available drugs may be helpful, which influence the enhanced turnover of clotting factors. Furthermore, platelet transfusions are highly effective in thrombocytopenic bleeding.