It is not necessarily cancer cells that take away the lives of cancer patients, but also some important but easily overlooked complications, such as venous thromboembolism - which ranks second among the causes of death in cancer patients. Many cancer patients may experience symptoms such as varicose veins, limb pain, and swelling in the early stages of illness or during cancer treatment, but they overlook the severity of "blood clots". Since the risk of blood clots in cancer patients is so high, how should prevention be carried out?
Why are cancer patients prone to venous thrombosis? Mainly because there are some risk factors related to cancer itself and the cancer treatment process, such as abnormal blood coagulation mechanisms caused by cancer itself; Tumors can produce and release substances such as hypercoagulable proteins, platelet activating factors, etc., which can promote the formation of blood clots. Partial malignant tumors can directly invade surrounding blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow or local stasis, thereby inducing venous thrombosis. The immune system of cancer patients is damaged, their resistance is weakened, and they are prone to infection, which in turn leads to venous inflammation and vascular damage. During the process of cancer treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other procedures are often required, which may damage blood vessels; In addition, some drugs such as estrogen and isoproterenol can also induce venous thromboembolism.
Venous thrombosis can be prevented and controlled, and thrombosis prevention is greater than treatment. Once a blood clot occurs, it is difficult to reverse, and the cost of treating it is much higher than the cost of prevention. So, what are the good prevention methods? Firstly, basic prevention measures include moderate exercise, smoking cessation and alcohol restriction, lower limb exercise, reasonable diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Secondly, physical prevention methods such as intermittent inflation pressure devices, gradient pressure socks, and plantar venous pumps can be chosen, but it is important to ensure that there are no relative contraindications, such as open wounds, congestive heart failure, etc. Finally, drug prevention is also a very important point among many preventive measures, but the preventive measures should be personalized with medication. What medications are available for selection? (1) Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is a first-line anticoagulant for cancer patients, as it has significant effects in preventing venous thromboembolism and reducing pulmonary embolism. It is commonly used for prevention in high-risk populations such as chemotherapy and postoperative patients. LMWH has a smaller dosage than regular heparin and can be injected at home, with high safety. (2) Warfarin: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant drug commonly used to prevent venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. It reduces thrombosis by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. (3) Oral direct thrombin inhibitors are a novel class of anticoagulant drugs that do not require control over food intake or interactions with other drugs. This type of medication is suitable for patients at high risk of developing venous thrombosis after tumor surgery.
In summary, early prevention of venous thrombosis is crucial for cancer patients. In addition to following the doctor's treatment plan and medication recommendations, it is also important to maintain appropriate exercise, replenish fluids, regularly observe symptoms of venous thromboembolism such as limb swelling, pain, and redness, seek medical attention promptly, and undergo relevant examinations. At the same time, it is best to develop a personalized blood clot prevention plan with the help of a doctor.