Prophylaxis of catheter-related venous thrombosis in cancer patients.

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.