ABSTRACT
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Safe and efficacious prophylaxis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are more difficult to achieve in cancer patients because of drug interactions, anemia, thrombocytopenia, frequent gastrointestinal disturbances, and other comorbid conditions. Consequently, the incidence of VTE in cancer patients is high, and complications of anticoagulant use are common. Furthermore, pharmacological agents currently available for prevention and treatment are troublesome to administer and have significant rates of breakthrough thrombosis and hemorrhage.
