ABSTRACT
Thrombotic events associated with antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies can be the first
manifestation of malignancy. The pathologic significance of aPL antibodies in patients
with malignancies, however, is still unclear. It remains an unresolved issue as to
whether the presence of aPL antibodies may be considered as an “epiphenomenon” of
the malignancy itself or whether it contributes directly to the development of thrombosis
in these patients.
In particular, solid tumors may be associated with the development of aPL antibodies,
enhancing the thrombophilic risk in these patients. In general, routine anticoagulant
prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin in cancer patients with positive aPL
antibodies is strongly indicated.
KEYWORDS
Malignancy - thrombosis - antiphospholipid syndrome - antiphospholipid antibodies
- treatment
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Wolfgang MiesbachM.D.
Medical Clinic III, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University
Frankfurt/Main, Department of Medicine III, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main,
Germany
Email: wolfgang.miesbach@kgu.de
