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Prophylaxis of catheter-related venous thrombosis in cancer patients

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Abstract

Background

The use of indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) for chemotherapy delivery is common practice in cancer patients. Central venous lines facilitate ease of blood drawing along with administration of blood products and various other therapies. Significant risks, however, include infection and catheter-related thrombosis. Several attempts have been investigated to reduce CVC-associated thrombosis, in particular anticoagulation strategies. Given the lack of clear efficacy, there is at present no recommendation for the use of prophylactic anti-coagulation in patients with solid malignancy and an indwelling CVC.

Materials and methods

This paper reviews recent given recommendations based on controlled trials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Hämatologie und Onkologie, Klinikum Neuperlach, Oskar-Maria-Graf Ring 51, 81737, Munich, Germany

    Meinolf Karthaus

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  1. Meinolf Karthaus
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Correspondence to Meinolf Karthaus.

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Karthaus, M. Prophylaxis of catheter-related venous thrombosis in cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 16, 787–790 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0374-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0374-0

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