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Semin Thromb Hemost 2006; 32(7): 694-699
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-951297
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Cancer and Venous Thromboembolism

Andrea Piccioli1 , Anna Falanga2 , Ugo Baccaglini3 , Marina Marchetti2 , Paolo Prandoni1
  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
  • 2Division of Hematology, Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
  • 3Department of Day Surgery, University of Padua, Italy
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 October 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The evidence of the important two-way clinical correlation between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) dates back to Trousseau's time. Over time it has been established that cancer patients not only exhibit a higher risk of developing VTE when compared with noncancer patients, but also that VTE, especially in its idiopathic presentation, sometimes acts as an epiphenomenon of a hidden cancer, offering possible chances for anticipated diagnosis of the pathology. Research has contributed greatly to the progression of this field through the identification of VTE risk factors in this setting, and through the assessment of the most adequate thromboprophylaxis and treatment modalities as well as secondary prophylaxis management. Anticoagulant drugs appear to be an attractive strategy in cancer treatment because there is growing evidence for their possible benefits in terms of cancer prognosis and patient survival.

KEYWORDS

Cancer - venous thromboembolism - low molecular weight heparin - warfarin - hypercoagulability

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Andrea PiccioliM.D. 

Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Chair of Internal Medicine, University of Padua

Via Ospedale Civile 105, 35128 Padua, Italy

Email: andreapiccioli@libero.it