Treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Monotherapy with low-molecular-weight heparin is the recommended first-line approach in cancer patients with newly diagnosed VTE, and is usually continued for a minimum of 3–6 months. Other management issues that require further research include optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy, treatment of recurrent VTE, the role of vena cava filters, the effects of VTE and its treatment on quality of life, and the impact of anticoagulants on survival. Newer anticoagulants hold promise in providing more effective and convenient treatment of VTE for this high-risk population, but further studies are awaited.