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Management of thrombosis in cancer: primary prevention and secondary prophylaxis
Author(s) -
Lee Agnes Y. Y.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2004.05292.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care medicine , cancer , clinical trial , venous thromboembolism , thrombosis , population , anticoagulant , natural history , surgery , environmental health
Summary Although traditional anticoagulant regimens are highly effective and safe in most patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the aggressive natural history of VTE and the high risk of serious bleeding in cancer patients can complicate the management of VTE. In addition, because few clinical trials have focused on the prevention and treatment of VTE in this unique patient population, many clinical questions regarding the care of cancer patients with VTE remain unanswered. Currently, low‐molecular‐weight heparins and oral vitamin K antagonists are the most commonly used agents for the primary and secondary prophylaxis of VTE in patients with or without cancer, but their use is associated with pharmacological and practical limitations. This review will provide an up‐to‐date summary of the clinical trials that have addressed the management of VTE in patients with cancer. A brief discussion of the potential application of novel anticoagulants in these clinical settings is also included.