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Antithrombotic therapy and survival in cancer patients.

Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2009 Mar;22(1):147-51

Authors: Kakkar AK

Venous thromboembolism is a common complication in patients with malignant disease. The development of symptomatic thromboembolism is associated with a poor prognosis for patients with cancer. Retrospective analysis of studies comparing unfractionated heparin with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for the initial treatment of deep vein thrombosis indicated improved survival for cancer patients receiving LMWH therapy. Prospective studies exposing cancer patients to LMWH therapy, in the absence of established thrombosis, suggest that survival may be prolonged in these patients after LMWH exposure. Ongoing studies, with careful attention to distribution of prognostic variables for cancer outcome, will help to answer the question regarding whether LMWH may indeed be used for this indication.

PMID: 19285281 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients.

Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2009 Mar;22(1):93-101

Authors: Lee AY

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Monotherapy with low-molecular-weight heparin is the recommended first-line approach in cancer patients with newly diagnosed VTE, and is usually continued for a minimum of 3-6 months. Other management issues that require further research include optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy, treatment of recurrent VTE, the role of vena cava filters, the effects of VTE and its treatment on quality of life, and the impact of anticoagulants on survival. Newer anticoagulants hold promise in providing more effective and convenient treatment of VTE for this high-risk population, but further studies are awaited.

PMID: 19285276 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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