Multidisciplinary Care for the Prevention and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer-Associated Thrombosis (CAT): Impact of Educational Interventions on CAT-Related Events and on Patients’ and Clinicians’ Awareness

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an often-overlooked cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients that can be readily prevented and treated. Actions are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients with cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). There is a need to increase awareness of the impact of CAT on cancer patients’ morbidity and mortality, on their quality of life and to understand the importance of more effective preventions and treatments of VTE in cancer patients. Moreover, it is of great importance to systematically assess the risk of VTE in regard to patients, cancer and treatment-related factors. Unfortunately, there are unmet clinical needs in the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated VTE. In this review, we discuss an action plan to ensure an increased awareness of and education on the issues that need to be addressed in order to improve the provision of appropriate prevention, early diagnosis and effective and safe treatment of VTE to all cancer patients and, ultimately, to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Bridging the Gap in Cancer-Related Stroke Management: Update on Therapeutic and Preventive Approaches

“…Prevention and management of cancer-related stroke or thromboembolism involve a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing oncologists, haematologists, and neurologists, and careful risk assessment, prophylactic measures, and prompt medical intervention when necessary [41,77]. The identification of patients who are at high risk for such events and the subsequent implementation of strategies to lower that risk are both examples of preventive measures.…”

Editorial on the Special Issue “The New Frontier of Venous Thromboembolism”

“…Tailored pharmacological prophylaxis and therapies are needed to treat specific clinical conditions, e.g., the long-term placement of central venous catheters to deliver adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as reported by Rydell et al [1]. In addition, specific educational interventions are still needed, as reported by Zalunardo et al [2], although the association between cancer and thrombosis is well known. Therapeutic updates on CAT have also been reported by Bernardi et al using data from an Italian registry named MAC [3].…”