Tumor Genetics Are Thrombogenic: The Need for Action

Thrombosis in multiple myeloma: mechanisms, risk assessment and management

Multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. Pathophysiologic mechanisms include patient, disease and treatment related factors. Risk assessment models have been developed to determine whichpatients are at highest thrombotic risk and pursuant to this, risk adapted thrombosis prophylaxis has been suggested. Areas in which further basic and clinical research is imperative include the molecular and cellular mechanisms of thrombosis in myeloma, the inclusion of relevant biomarkers in risk assessment scores and controlled clinical trials of VTE prophylaxis and treatment using direct oral anticoagulants.

The Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Korean Patients with Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

The relationship between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) has long been described. The risk of VTE in Asian patients with breast cancer remains largely unknown. This study described the incidence and risk factors of VTE in Korean patients with breast cancer. Data were collected from a retrospective database of patients who underwent breast cancer surgery between 2011 and 2020 at a single institution. The Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify factors associated with VTE occurrences. Among the 2246 patients with breast cancer, 48 (2.1%) developed VTE during a median follow-up period of 53 months. The average incidence of VTE was 459 per 100,000 person-years. Age ≥ 60 years, male sex, chronic kidney disease, reconstructive procedures, and stage II or higher were independent predictive factors for VTE. VTE was associated with poor disease-free survival (hazard ratio (HR), 6.140; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.480-10.835), and overall survival (HR, 8.842; 95% CI 4.386-17.824). Most VTE events were manageable with anticoagulation; three (6.3%) patients died of VTE, despite intensive care. The incidence of VTE was significantly elevated in Korean patients with breast cancer. Since VTE has a negative effect on oncologic outcomes of breast cancer, clinicians should manage its risk throughout their lifetime.