Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is frequent and associated with significant morbidity
and mortality among cancer patients. Hospitalized medically ill cancer patients are
considered to be at high risk of CAT complications. Parenteral thromboprophylaxis
with low-molecular-weight heparin is likely to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism
in this population and is recommended for the duration of the patient's hospitalization.
Similarly, high-risk ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy should be made
aware of their underlying risk and pharmacological thromboprophylaxis can be considered
on a case-by-case basis in the absence of contraindication to anticoagulation.
Keywords
neoplasms - venous thromboembolism - venous thromboprophylaxis - heparin - low-molecular-weight
heparin - bleeding