Venous thromboembolism is a common complication that develops in approximately 20% of patients with cancer. Presence of tumor and other risk factors, such as inflammation, surgery, obesity, and medications, have the potential to alter the intravascular coagulation homeostasis and lead to thrombosis. Although malignancy may predispose patients to venous thromboembolism, many chemotherapy agents also increase the risk. In this article, some of the agents tamoxifen, asparaginase, fluorouracil, thalidomide, lenalidomide, bevacizumab, and hematopoietic growth factors are discussed. Many patients will experience a thrombotic event despite optimal prophylaxis. Thus, this article will address the guidelines for treatment and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. In general, the venous thromboembolism risk should be assessed before certain antineoplastic regimens are prescribed to patients with cancer.
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