Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in cancer

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a common and clinically important drug-induced complication that can cause life- and limb-threatening thrombosis. Epidemiologically, the disease has been studied in many different clinical settings, but little is known about it in cancer patients, a population at increased risk for thrombosis and thus exposure to heparin products. Additionally, thrombocytopenia is a common finding in cancer patients. The convergence of these variables highlights the importance of an increased understanding of the disease in cancer patients. © JNCCN-Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.