Role of palliative low-molecular-weight heparin for treating venous thromboembolism in patients with advanced cancer.

Patients with cancer are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism ([VTE]; deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism). Although vitamin K antagonists had originally been used to treat VTE in these patients, low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) have been shown to be more effective and safe for patients with cancer-associated thrombosis. In cancer patients with advanced disease where curative therapy is no longer the intent of treatment, continued anticoagulation for VTE for palliative purposes continues to remain a controversial topic as no large randomized trials have been conducted to guide clinicians in this setting. This review summarizes the data available for treating VTE in cancer patients receiving palliative services.