Antiphospholipid syndrome in cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which is characterized by the presence of heterogeneous antiphospholipid antibodies. There is an evidence on antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies related to thromboembolic events in cancer patients. In fact, the thrombotic complications in patients with malignancy occur at a rather high frequency, compared to other risk factors. In parallel with standard therapies available, there is need of case-by-case monitoring of each patient and the introduction of new therapies and need for more clinical trials which will address many questions for the optimal management of patients. This paper presents a basic review of the literature on the aPL antibodies associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as its complications, which are reported so far in the bibliography.