Diagnosis and therapy in cancer-associated thromboembolism – what about guideline recommendations?

Oncogenic transformation is closely linked to coagulation activation and cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common problem. Guidelines recommend thromboprophylaxis with a low molecular weight heparin for hospitalized cancer patients. However, thromboprophylaxis is not customarily advised for ambulatory cancer patients. Cancer patients with VTE are usually treated with a low molecular weight heparin for 3–6 months. Vitamin K antagonists have a higher bleeding risk and there are not sufficient data to recommend any of the new oral anticoagulants. All physicians taking care of cancer patients should be aware of the current guideline recommendations. Oncology professionals should educate patients about the signs of VTE.