Arterial thrombosis in cancer: Spotlight on the neglected vessels

Abstract

Cancer patients are at risk for both venous and arterial thrombotic events. Accumulating evidence suggests a link between cancer and arterial thrombosis events. The pathophysiology of arterial thrombosis in cancer is complex and multifactorial. The risk of arterial thrombosis in cancer patients relies on individual risk factors, on cancer-related hypercoagulability, on anticancer drugs and radiotherapy often via a common underlying mechanism of endothelial dysfunction. This review describes the mechanisms involved in the development of arterial thrombotic events and their clinical manifestations. Furthermore, it provides an overview on therapeutic agents associated with arterial thrombosis.