Venous Thromboembolism Risks Vary Substantially by Cancer Site, Study Reveals

Strategic Insights -

Researchers have detailed new data in venous thromboembolism, highlighting the risks associated with cancer-related venous thromboembolism (VTE). According to the study, patients with cancer-associated VTE are at increased risk of both recurrent VTE and bleeding, with the magnitude of this variation remaining unclear. The study aimed to compare the 90-day risks of recurrent VTE or VTE-related death (composite outcome) and major bleeding across different cancer sites.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 18,660 patients with active cancer and VTE and 88,162 without cancer in the RIETE (Registro Informatizado de la Enfermedad Tromboembolica) registry.
  • Within 90 days, 4.0% of cancer-associated thrombosis patients experienced the composite outcome, and 3.4% had major bleeding.
  • Compared to noncancer patients, cancer-associated thrombosis patients had higher risks of the composite outcome (adjusted HR: 2.54; 95% CI: 2.21 to 2.93) and major bleeding (adjusted HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.22-1.61).
  • The highest thrombotic risk was found in lung (adjusted HR: 4.03; 95% CI: 3.38-4.81) and pancreatic cancers (adjusted HR: 3.85; 95% CI: 3.04-4.88).
  • Major bleeding risk was highest in gastrointestinal (adjusted HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.37-2.00), genitourinary (adjusted HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.38-2.00), and pancreatic cancers (adjusted HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05-1.95).

Statistics:

  • 4.0% of cancer-associated thrombosis patients experienced the composite outcome within 90 days.
  • 3.4% of cancer-associated thrombosis patients had major bleeding within 90 days.
  • Cancer-associated thrombosis patients had a 2.54-fold increased risk of the composite outcome compared to noncancer patients.
  • The highest thrombotic risk was associated with lung cancer (adjusted HR: 4.03; 95% CI: 3.38-4.81).
  • Major bleeding risk was highest in gastrointestinal cancers (adjusted HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.37-2.00).

Sources:

  • Variation in Venous Thromboembolism Outcomes Based on Primary Cancer Site. JACC: Advances, 2025, 4(9): 102101. The publisher for JACC: Advances is Elsevier.
  • A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.102101.
  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Venous Thromboembolism Study Findings from Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucia (Variation in Venous Thromboembolism Outcomes Based on Primary Cancer Site). Hematology Week. September 8, 2025; p 4455.