Assessing blood clot risk in venous catheter selection for patients with haematological cancers

Abstract

Venous catheters enable patients with haematological cancers to receive vital chemotherapy. However, there is a risk of thrombosis. Consultant Haematologist Priya Sriskandarajah analysed a group of patients with haematological cancers to study the implications of catheter selection. Over the years, there have been major developments in cancer care, including novel chemotherapy regimens as well as stem cell transplantation. To support these advancements and enable efficient treatment administration, venous catheters (i.e. ‘lines’) are required. These are surgically inserted into a patient’s vein and allow direct delivery of these treatments into the bloodstream.