Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis Proves Safe in Cancer Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis: Presented at SIR

WASHINGTON, DC -- March 17, 2008 -- Percutaneous catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is safe for acute symptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) both in cancer patients and in noncancer patients, researchers reported here at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting.Approximately 15% of cancer patients develop DVT, according to lead author Stephen R. Preece, BA, Interventional Radiology Applicant, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.Catheter-directed thrombolysis has been shown to result in rapid reduction of thrombus burden and symptoms, and to reduce the risk of recurrence. However, CDT is associated with greater risk of complications, such as major bleeding, than conventional anticoagulation approaches. Therefore, patients with malignancies are not considered to be good candidates for DVT trials, explained Dr. Preece.

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