ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have identified cancer as a significant risk factor for the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Furthermore, a small percentage of patients presenting with idiopathic DVT or PE go on to develop clinical evidence of cancer in the subsequent 1-2 years. In patients entered into recent treatment trials for DVT or PE, the incidence of cancer is in the range of 10-25%. Short-term or long-term follow-up of patients in these trials and in cohort studies continues to demonstrate that recurrent VTE remains a problem even with the best current management. Therefore, one of the unmet needs with respect to the treatment of VTE is to find better ways to prevent recurrent VTE, and this is of particular relevance to patients with cancer.
