Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for ambulatory cancer patients, can we do better?

Patients with cancer are at a much higher risk of thromboembolic events. Such events are occasionally associated with significant complications that can negatively affect patients’ quality of life. Thromboprophylaxis is widely practiced, but much of the emphasis is given for those admitted with acute medical illnesses or following major surgical procedures. However, a significant percentage of thrombotic events encountered in routine clinical practice are among ambulatory patients where current guidelines do not recommend routine thromboprophylaxis.