ABSTRACT
Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have improved and simplifi ed the management of venous thromboembolic disorders. Supported by robust data from many randomized controlled trials conducted over the past two decades, these agents are now established as the agents of choice over standard unfractionated heparin for the initial treatment and the primary prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). More recently, a major advancement was made in the treatment of cancer patients with VTE when a LMWH was found to be signifi cantly more effi cacious than warfarin for reducing symptomatic, recurrent VTE in cancer patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). This fi nding has led to new treatment recommendations in international and U.S. consensus guidelines and changes in practice worldwide. However, the limitations of LMWH still leave room for improvement, and many questions regarding the management of VTE in cancer patients remain unanswered.
