Premium
Management of Venous Thromboembolism and the Potential to Impact Overall Survival in Patients with Cancer
Author(s) -
Saraiya Biren,
Goodin Susan
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.29.11.1344
Subject(s) - medicine , venous thromboembolism , intensive care medicine , cancer , etiology , population , thrombosis , environmental health
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.