”Cancer skews the balance in terms of pro-clotting, increases inflammation, and compresses blood vessels, all risk factors for developing clots.” Treatment for cancer or blood disorders can also affect the balance of pro- and anti-clotting factors, and increased bed rest during treatment may enhance a patient’s risk of clotting. read more
Clotting factors are proteins made naturally by the body and combine with platelets to form blood clots and stop bleeding. When chemotherapy kills cancer cells, the cells can release substances that cause more blood clotting (coagulation). Some chemotherapy drugs can cause this than others. read more
Treatment to prevent blood clots should be routine in any hospitalized patient, and usually consists of injections of heparin or low molecular weight heparin. Compression stockings or pneumatic devices are also used to help prevent blood clots. Patients with cancer who are home and can move around have a lower likelihood of developing DVT/PE. read more