[Management of thromboembolic risk in patients with cancer]

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication in cancer patients and affects their morbidity and mortality. The risk of this event differs according to the characteristics of the tumor, the patient's circumstances, and the treatments provided. Although the benefits of thromboprophylaxis in certain subgroups of patients with cancer have been demonstrated, currently generic prescription is not recommended unless other risk factors are present, or the patient has multiple myeloma and has been treated with thalidomide or lenalidomide. The insertion of a central venous catheter in these patients does not imply prescription of thromboprophylaxis, although the risk factors for catheter thrombosis are known. Finally, a risk scoring model for the prediction of venous thromboembolism has been defined in outpatients with cancer starting chemotherapy, which has been externally validated and supplemented with the addition of two biomarkers.