Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with lung cancer (LC).

Abstract

e19565 Background: VTE is a leading cause of death and morbidity in cancer patients. A better knowledge of the epidemiology and the behavior of VTE can contribute to a better prevention and optimal management. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical characteristics and outcome of cancer patients with VTE with regards tumor type. Methods: A prospective observational study of consecutive cancer patients newly diagnosed with VTE was performed between May 2006 and April 2009. VTE was treated in accordance with the 2004 American College of Chest Physicians Guidelines. Data analysis was performed in July 2009. Results: 339 cancer patients with VTE were included. LC was the most frequent tumor in our series 25.4% (66 male, 20 female; median age 62 ± 11 years). Histologies were: adenocarcinoma 40 (46%), squamous cell carcinoma 18 (21%), undifferentiated 15 (17%) and small-cell carcinoma 9 (10%). The proportion of patients treated with chemotherapy in both LC and other tumors (OT) was similar (70% vs. 62%, p = 0.19). In LC, pulmonary embolism was the most frequent VTE event (51% vs. 29%, p<0.0001) and it presented earlier than in OT (median time after first cancer diagnose of 4 vs. 7 months respectively, p<0.0001). Rethrombosis was frequent in tumors (17% LC and 13% OT, p = 0.362) with a higher actuarial probability of rethrombosis in the LC group (median time from the initial VTE event of 6 vs. 17 months, p<0.0001). Conclusions: VTE in patients with LC is a common adverse event that occurs soon after tumor diagnosis, with a higher incidence of pulmonary embolism and a worse outcome regarding venous rethrombosis than in patients with OT. No significant financial relationships to disclose.