Understanding Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer

• Venous thromboembolism is a common complication of cancer and its treatment.
• Prevention should be the focus for this high-risk population.
• Anticoagulation is the mainstay of therapy for both prophylaxis and treatment.
• Clinicians have an important role to play in identifying at risk patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is 1 of the most common complications from cancer and its treatments. It can manifest as a deep vein thrombus or pulmonary embolism in all stages of cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss the ways in which cancer predisposes patients to VTE and the diagnostic and management options available. The article further discusses the importance of anticoagulation as a mainstay of therapy for the prevention and management of VTE and the implications for practice.