2008 french national guidelines for the treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: Report from the working group

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major therapeutic issue in cancer patients. Advances in this field and heterogeneities in clinical practices prompted us to establish guidelines in the management of VTE in cancer patients according to the SOR (Standards, Options and Recommendations) methodology. A literature review of the studies published on this topic between 1999 and 2007 was performed. The guidelines were developed from the analysis of 38 out of 418 publications selected. They were peer-reviewed by 65 independent experts. The treatment of VTE in patients with cancer, including those with intracranial malignancies, should be based on low-molecular-weight heparins administered at therapeutic doses for at least 3 months. In the event of recurrent VTE, pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic failure or contra-indication to anticoagulant treatment, the indications and usages of vena cava filters and thrombolytic drugs should be the same as in non-cancer patients.