[Heparin and cancer]

Abstract

The association between cancer and venous thromboembolism is well described. Several studies indicate that elements of the haemostatic system participate in tumour genesis. During the last decade a number of post-hoc analyses of trials not primarily designed to evaluate the effect of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), on cancer survival, have indicated an increased survival. This has recently been supported by results from several prospective trials with LMWH. The possible anti-cancer effect of LMWH is not known in details. Treatment regimes with LMWH have to be performed.