Thromboembolic Events Burden in Patients With Solid Tumors and Their Predisposing Factors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The relationship between cancers and thromboembolic events is well established. In our study, we aim to determine the burden of thromboembolic events in patients with solid tumors and identify the risk factors related to their development. MATERIALS & METHODS Data on patients with solid tumors and thromboembolism between January 2013 and September 2014 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS During the study period 174 patients were identified. Of which, 172 (98.9%) had venous thrombus embolism, 137 (79%) were diagnosed with deep vein thromboses, 67 (38.5%) with pulmonary embolism, 84 (48.3%) were symptomatic and 90 (51.7) were incidental at diagnosis. The most common patients and disease characteristics were female sex, high body mass index (BMI), metastatic stage, colorectal and breast primaries, and anti-neoplastic therapy. CONCLUSION  Our study confirmed the high burden of thromboembolic events in cancer patients and the relevant factors associated with its development.