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Treatment of Venous Thrombosis

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Coagulation in Cancer

Part of the book series: Cancer Treatment and Research ((CTAR,volume 148))

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Approximately 20% of all cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are related to underlying malignancy. Many of these patients are elderly, receiving anti-cancer therapy, and have advanced malignancy and other comorbid diseases. Consequently, managing VTE in these patients is a challenging task because they have high risks of recurrent thrombosis and anticoagulant-related bleeding. Quality of life is also an important consideration when planning therapy, especially if the patient’s life expectancy is short. Of the currently available anticoagulants, monotherapy with a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the recommended treatment of choice over unfractionated heparin and warfarin. Preliminary evidence has also suggested that LMWHs may improve survival in cancer patients. However, many aspects of treatment, such as duration of therapy, remain unstudied.

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  1. Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Diamond Health Care Centre, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, 10th floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada

    Agnes Y. Y. Lee

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    Lee, A.Y.Y. (2009). Treatment of Venous Thrombosis. In: Kwaan, H., Green, D. (eds) Coagulation in Cancer. Cancer Treatment and Research, vol 148. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79962-9_14

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79962-9_14

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