Advanced nodal stage predicts venous thromboembolism in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

At a median follow-up of 31 months, 127 patients developed a VTE, with 80% of events occurring in the first year after treatment initiation. 1-year and 3-year overall cumulative incidence estimates were 13.5% and 15.4%, respectively. On univariate analysis, stage IIIB and N3 nodal disease were associated with increased VTE risk. In the final multivariable model, N3 nodal disease was associated with increased VTE risk (Hazard ratio 1.64; 95% CI 1.06-2.54; p = 0.027). In conclusion, patients with locally advanced NSCLC are at high risk for VTE, especially in the first year after treatment initiation, with a 1-year cumulative incidence of 13.5%. N3 nodal staging was associated with significantly higher VTE risk compared to N0-N2 staging.