Chapter 3

Impact of Venous Thromboembolism on Cancer Survival

Manoj Rai*

Abstract

Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is more common in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients. Various factors that influence the incidence of VTE are patient population, duration of follow-up, patient-related factors, type and stage of tumor, chemotherapy agent or the treatment modality used, presence of central venous catheters, detection methods, and reporting. Mortality is increased by various factors such as delay or withdrawal of chemotherapy treatment, directly VTE-related complications like pulmonary embolism. Development of VTE within 2 years was found to be a significant risk factor for increased mortality and the rate was high among patients with localized disease. For the prevention of VTE in patients with cancer LMWH is given increased consideration, specifically Dalteparin [26, 27]. Further studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis in the reduction of mortality or thromboembolic complications in these high-risk populations.

Total Pages: 27-32 (6)

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