Genetics of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during chemotherapy

Genetics of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during chemotherapy

What is venous thromboembolism (VTE)?

A VTE is a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood through your veins. A VTE can be stuck in the deep veins of the legs or arms or travel through the veins to the lungs.

Veins carry blood from the extremities of your body back to your heart. When a vein is blocked, blood pools behind the blockage. This causes inflammation, and cells ahead of the blockage can’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. This can do serious damage to the veins, tissues, and organs that they feed. In some cases, such as when a VTE blocks blood flow to the lungs, it can be life-threatening. Some people are more likely to get VTE than others. Cancer patients have a 4-7 times higher risk of developing VTE.

How was the research done?

Researchers want to find specific genetic markers that can help predict which cancer patients are at risk of developing VTE during chemotherapy. Blood clots are a serious complication for cancer patients, and some cancer treatments increase the risk of developing them. They will study the genetics of cancer patients who have developed VTE during chemotherapy. Then they will find a subgroup of patients who would benefit from receiving treatment to prevent blood clots. As the treatment to prevent blood clots has some negative side effects, it is important that we identify the subgroup that would most benefit from the treatment to minimize side effects.

What is the significance of this study?

This study can provide more information to help researchers find a genetic signature. These markers can help doctors personalize treatments for individual patients and prevent complications. Which can lead to better outcomes for cancer patients.