Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in cancer patients — guidelines focus on surgical patients

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is quite common in patients suffering from different stages of cancer, it is still an underestimated problem. Oncological treatment, surgeries, and advanced-stage cancer are only some risk factors for VTE, which is one of the most common causes of death in cancer patients. Differences in the risk of deep-venous thrombosis and its complications, including risk of bleeding, between particular onco­logical patient groups suggests that there is a need for individual risk assessment and prophylaxis dedicated to specific clinical situations and patients. They also give grounds for constant update of guidelines on prophylaxis in cancer patients. This document contains venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines in oncology patients with focus on surgical cancer.