Prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in medical cancer patients

Abstract

Malignancy is one of the major independent risk factors for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE) that involves deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Epidemiological data indicate that 20% of all VTE cases occur in cancer patients. Moreover, VTE is reported in up to every fifth patient with malignant neoplasm and is the second (after neoplasm itself ) leading cause of death in this group of patients. The aim of this paper is to present the principles of prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in medical patients with cancer, either being treated in outpatient or inpatient setting. The paper will also address management of challenging cases, such as recurrent VTE or VTE in a patient with thrombocytopenia, active bleeding or renal insufficiency.