Progress in the research on venous thromboembolism in malignant lymphoma

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second leading cause of death and is a major cause of morbidity in patients with cancer. The prevention and the treatment of VTE are important. The risk of thrombosis among cancer patients is increaseds by sev- en times, but this risk may be 28 times higher in patients with hematological tumors. This increased risk seriously affects the quality of life and the prognosis of malignant lymphoma patients. However, the pathogenesis and risk factors for VTE in the lymphoma patients are not well well-defined. This study reveals that tissue factors, micro-particles, and single nucleotide polymorphisms of gene are associ- ated with VTE. Therefore, the identification of patients with the highest risk of VTE is important to improve the diagnostic rate of VTE. These patients would benefit from thrombo-prophylaxis. We therefore need a simple and effectual risk assessment model for predicting the incidence rates of VTE. Moreover, peripheral blood biomarkers might improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. Patients with lympho- ma have a high risk for hemorrhage, and receiving anticoagulant therapy is challenging for them. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prophylaxis, and treatment of VTE in patients with lymphoma.