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Pathogenesis of Thrombosis in Patients with Malignancy

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Abstract

Cancer cells can contribute to activation of the clotting system by their capacity to produce and release procoagulant/fibrinolytic substances and inflammatory cytokines, and by their interaction with host cells (endothelial, monocytes, platelets, and neutrophils). Moreover, anticancer drugs (chemotherapy/hormone therapy) may greatly affect the risk of thromboembolic complications in cancer patients by similar mechanisms, eg, through the release of procoagulants by tumor cells, through endothelial damage, or stimulation of tissue factor production by host cells. The interactions between cancer/metastatic processes and thrombosis have been reviewed here from the pathogenetic viewpoint. We hope that better knowledge of these pathogenetic pathways will lead to the development of more targeted strategies to prevent thromboembolism in cancer patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hematology Division, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo

    Anna Falanga

  2. Department of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Consorzio Mario Negri Sud, Santa Maria Imbaro, Italy

    Maria Benedetta Donati

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  1. Anna Falanga
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  2. Maria Benedetta Donati
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Correspondence to Maria Benedetta Donati.

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Falanga, A., Benedetta Donati, M. Pathogenesis of Thrombosis in Patients with Malignancy. Int J Hematol 73, 137–144 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02981929

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