Risk Factors and Risk Stratification of Thromboembolic Risk in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by a high risk for thrombotic episodes, mainly venous thromboembolism (VTE). This risk is accentuated by cancer treatments such as immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). Cancer-associated thrombosis is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, and the prevention of thrombosis is, therefore, of paramount significance. To this day, it is unclear which type of thromboprophylaxis is the most effective. This is partly due to the multifactorial etiology behind thrombosis since the compound of patient-, disease- and treatment-associated factors characterizing each patient with MM is unique. Additionally, the established risk scores are not reliable in patients with MM. The scope of this review is to summarize the factors contributing to increased thrombosis risk in MM, as well as the risk scores and thromboprophylaxis regimes available.

Keywords

• multiple myeloma
• thrombosis
• anticoagulants