Venous thromboembolism: risk factors and prophylaxis

Venous thromboembolism is an important complication in tumour patients as it occurs frequently in these patients and causes relevant morbidity. The risk of thromboembolic complications in tumour patients is 3-9 times higher than in non-tumour patients and is the second most common cause of death in tumour patients. The risk of thrombosis depends on tumour-induced coagulopathy and on individual factors, type and stage of cancer, time since cancer diagnosis as well as type of systemic cancer therapy. Thromboprophylaxis in tumour patients is effective but can be associated with increased bleeding. Even though there are currently no dedicated recommendations for individual tumour entities, international guidelines recommend prophylactic measures in high-risk patients. A thrombosis risk of >8-10% can be considered an indication for thromboprophylaxis, which is indicated by a Khorana score =2, and should be calculated individually using nomograms. In particular, patients with a low risk of bleeding should receive thromboprophylaxis. Risk factors and symptoms of a thromboembolic event should also be intensively discussed with the patient and materials for patient information should be handed out.