Unraveling the interplay between cancer and thrombosis: insights from bench to big data

Abstract

Cancer patients are at a significantly increased risk of developing thrombosis, characterized by blood clots that obstruct blood vessels. When such a clot lodges in the lungs, it results in a pulmonary embolism. While these complications are typically managed with anticoagulant therapy, their treatment in cancer patients is particularly challenging due to a concurrent heightened risk of bleeding. Furthermore, thrombosis tends to recur more frequently in cancer patients than in the general population, and the associated mortality risk is substantially higher. The underlying mechanisms contributing to this increased thrombotic risk remain incompletely understood. This dissertation explores the role of tumor-derived proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of cancer-associated thrombosis, aiming to identify targets for improved therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it examines the epidemiology of thrombosis among cancer patients in the Netherlands, identifying incidence rates and risk factors for distinct types of thrombotic events. By advancing our understanding of these mechanisms, this work aspires to inform the development of safer and more effective approaches to prevent and manage thrombosis in cancer patients.