Key Points
- To review the epidemiology and biological mechanisms underlying cancer-associated venous thromboembolism and establish context for UK clinical practice recommendations.
- Synthesized clinical evidence on cancer-associated thrombosis epidemiology, morbidity, and molecular pathophysiology.
- Convened an expert panel of UK-based physicians in London on 22 May 2009 to evaluate findings and formulate a consensus statement.
- Venous thromboembolism risk increases 7-fold across all cancer types and up to 28-fold in specific malignancies, representing the second leading cause of death in cancer patients.
- Malignant cells activate coagulation by releasing procoagulant and proangiogenic factors and directly binding endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes.
- Activation of the hemostatic system reciprocally promotes tumor angiogenesis, cell survival, and metastatic dissemination.
Structured PICO
PPopulationPatients with malignant disease
This review highlights the 7- to 28-fold increased risk of VTE in cancer patients and outlines the pathophysiological mechanisms driving cancer-associated thrombosis.