Management of venous thromboembolism and the potential to impact overall survival in patients with cancer.
The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is 6-12-fold higher than in the general population, and VTE is the second leading cause of death in this population, after cancer itself. The etiology underlying the increased risk of VTE is multifactorial and complex, involving patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related factors. In patients with cancer, cumulative results from studies in those with VTE versus without VTE suggest that anticoagulation therapy, particularly with low-molecular-weight heparins, prevents morbidity and may reduce mortality. Despite the availability of effective and safe therapeutic options, VTE is often underrecognized and suboptimally managed. Interventions such as assessing individual patient risk of VTE, providing VTE prophylaxis and/or prompt treatment, and adopting VTE guidelines are essential aspects of cancer-related care. Aggressive VTE management and strategies are critical to improving survival in patients with cancer and VTE.
Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
Biren
B
Saraiya
Susan
S
Goodin
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000628:therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight