Retrospective study of venous thromboembolic and intracerebral hemorrhagic events in glioblastoma patients
Pan, E.; Tsai, J.S.; Mitchell, S.B.
Anticancer Research 29(10): 4309-4313
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 19846992 Document Number: 631367
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in glioblastoma (GB) patients. A retrospective medical record review identified 294 GB patients with VTE or ICH; 146 patients with sufficient treatment records were included. Treatment approaches for GB patients who developed VTE were also reported. Of 146 patients, 41 (28%) developed VTE and 3 (2%) developed ICH. Seven (17%) of the 41 VTE patients developed recurrent VTE. Practice patterns for VTE treatment varied widely. Patient demographics were not significantly associated with VTE development. Despite a low incidence of ICH, even with anticoagulation therapy, physicians are reluctant to administer anticoagulants to GB patients with VTE. The optimum treatment for GB patients with VTE has not been established; however, the benefits of anticoagulation therapy may outweigh the risks of ICH. A prospective clinical trial to evaluate the potential benefits for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in GB patients is warranted.