Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer

Abstract

Patients with cancer are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is the second frequent
cause of death in this population. This is why implementation of efficient VTE prophylaxis is one of the
most important issues in modern oncology. A variety of guidelines were developed by different Polish
and International oncologic societies. Despite some small differences, all recommendations agree that
VTE prophylaxis should at first concern patients with the highest risk for thrombosis. Acute medical and
surgical conditions are most frequent clinical situations that require prophylaxis with low-molecular weight
heparin, unfractioned heparin or fondaparinux in hospitalized cancer patients. The international guidelines
currently agree in non-recommending routine prophylaxis in ambulatory patients who receive anticancer
chemotherapy with the exception of multiple myeloma patients treated with combined therapy including
antiangiogenic agents (thalidomide and lenalidomide). The routine prophylaxis should not be also applied
in patients with central vein catheter.