Unresolved problems in venous thromboembolism treatment in cancer

Published: June 3, 2009
Abstract Views: 159
PDF: 392
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Authors

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in cancer patients. Prevention and treatment of VTE are major issues in cancer patients. For prophylaxis in the surgical setting, once-daily subcutaneous injections of low molecular weight heparin (LMWHs) are as effective and safe as multiple doses of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Extending prophylaxis with LMWH beyond hospital discharge reduces the risk of postoperative thrombosis after abdominal surgery for cancer. The clinical benefit from antithrombotic prophylaxis in medical cancer patients remains uncertain. For the initial treatment of VTE, LMWHs are effective and safe. For the long-term treatment of VTE, LMWHs have been shown to be more effective than the vitamin K antagonists in preventing recurrent VTE in cancer patients. The preliminary observations that LMWHs are associated with reduction in cancer mortality deserve further interest.

Dimensions

Altmetric

PlumX Metrics

Downloads

Citations

Supporting Agencies

How to Cite

Agnelli, A., & Verso, M. (2009). Unresolved problems in venous thromboembolism treatment in cancer. Hematology Meeting Reports (formerly Haematologica Reports), 1(9). https://doi.org/10.4081/hmr.v1i9.335