Guidance for the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a highly prevalent complication of malignancy with emerging changes in incidence, diagnosis and treatment paradigms. This manuscript, initiated by the Anticoagulation Forum, provides clinical guidance based on existing guidelines and consensus expert opinion where guidelines are lacking. We address a) the appropriate workup to search for occult malignancy in patients with idiopathic VTE, b) identification of high-risk cancer patients for primary thromboprophylaxis, c) the appropriate immediate and long-term treatment for people with cancer diagnosed with acute thromboembolism, d) the appropriate duration of anticoagulation and e) the appropriate treatment strategy in patients with recurrent VTE on anticoagulation. Areas of controversy and future directions in this field are highlighted.