Thrombosis and Malignancy: A Case-Based Review

The association between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and malignancy is well established. Recent interest has focused on standards of care for prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of malignancy-associated thrombosis. Anticoagulant management in cancer patients has unique complexities such as prolonged hospitalization, extensive surgeries, extended periods of inactivity, indwelling central venous catheters (CVC), thrombocytopenia, and pro-thrombotic medications. Here we will explore current recommendations for various specific clinical scenarios for cancer-associated thromboses. We will make evidence-based recommendations wherever possible; however, several of the scenarios here were included because pertinent high-quality evidence does not exist. Semin Hematol 48:259-263. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.