Venous thromboembolic disease and cancer.

Introduction. - Thromboembolic venous disease, which includes both peripher al venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism? is a frequent disorder in pati ents with cancer. Although thromboembolic manifestations may precede the di agnosis of cancer, the value of extensive clinical search for potential und erlying cancer when faced with venous thromboembolic manifestations has not been demonstrated. Current knowledge and key points, - Clinical and biological studies have de monstrated that acquired abnormalities in blood hemostasis, especially proc oagulant factors, account for the onset of thromboembolic manifestations in patients with cancer. Classical anticoagulant therapy is associated with l ow efficacy and tolerance in patients with cancer who are at high risk for hemorrhagic complications and recurrence of thromboembolic disease. Future prospects and projects. - Recent data suggest the value of anticoagu lant therapy using either low molecular weight heparin or warfarin at low d oses (INR <2) according to the specific surgical or medical context. (C) 20 00 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier.