How I treat acute venous thromboembolism in patients with brain tumors Journal Article


Authors: Leader, A.; Wilcox, J. A.; Zwicker, J. I.
Article Title: How I treat acute venous thromboembolism in patients with brain tumors
Abstract: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with brain tumors. The management of acute VTE is particularly challenging due to an elevated risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Risk of developing ICH on anticoagulation is influenced by a number of factors including tumor type, recent surgery, concomitant medications, platelet counts, and radiographic features. In patients with a heightened risk for ICH, the benefits of anticoagulation need to be balanced against a likelihood of developing major hemorrhagic complications. Management decisions include whether to administer anticoagulation, at what dose, placement of an inferior vena cava filter, monitoring for development of hemorrhage or progressive thrombus, and escalation of anticoagulant dose. This article discusses the complexities of treating acute VTE in patients with brain tumors and outlines treatment algorithms based on the presence or absence of ICH at the time of VTE diagnosis. Through case-based scenarios, we illustrate our approach to anticoagulation, emphasizing individualized risk assessments and evidence-based practices to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing the risks of hemorrhagic events in patients with brain tumors. © 2024 American Society of Hematology
Keywords: treatment outcome; review; side effect; brain tumor; bleeding; radiotherapy; risk assessment; algorithm; diagnosis; surgery; anticoagulation; drug therapy; brain hemorrhage; adverse drug reaction; therapy; pharmacology; platelet count; venous thromboembolism; anticoagulant agent; vena cava filter; complication; human
Journal Title: Blood
Volume: 144
Issue: 17
ISSN: 0006-4971
Publisher: American Society of Hematology  
Date Published: 2024-10-24
Start Page: 1781
End Page: 1790
Language: English
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023450
PUBMED: 39197077
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC11530362
DOI/URL:
Notes: The MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) is acknowledge in the PDF -- Corresponding authors is MSK author: Jeffrey I. Zwicker -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Jessica Alice Wilcox
    34 Wilcox
  2. Jeffrey Zwicker
    36 Zwicker
  3. Avi Philip Sendzul Leader
    16 Leader