Cancer-Related Thromboembolism

Cancer-related thromboembolism (CRT) refers to blood clots that develop in people with cancer. These clots can form in veins or lungs, blocking normal blood flow and causing serious complications.

Normally, your body balances clotting and bleeding by producing:

In cancer, this balance is disrupted. Tumors release chemicals that activate clotting, treatments like chemotherapy or surgery increase risk, and reduced mobility further raises the chance of dangerous clots. The result? Swelling, pain, shortness of breath, or even sudden emergencies if clots travel to the lungs.

CRT is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients after cancer itself. It affects up to 20% of all people with cancer, particularly those with pancreatic, stomach, lung, or brain cancers. But here’s the good news: with early detection, preventive strategies, and modern anticoagulant therapies, outcomes are improving significantly. What once felt like a silent, unpredictable threat is now a manageable condition with the right care.

Think of it like a river dammed by debris—blood flow is blocked, pressure builds, and dangerous consequences follow.

At its root, CRT develops when cancer and its treatments disrupt the body’s clotting system.

This can happen due to:

Imagine your blood vessels as highways. In healthy people, traffic flows smoothly with occasional stops for repair. In cancer, construction debris (tumor chemicals) scatters across the lanes, causing accidents (clots). Treatments act like cleanup crews, clearing blockages and keeping traffic moving safely.

CRT isn’t one-size-fits-all—it divides into two major categories depending on where clots form:

CRT’s symptoms may whisper or shout. They can mimic everyday problems like leg cramps or chest discomfort, making them easy to overlook. Recognizing them early can change everything.

What You Might Notice

CRT signs overlap with:

CRT is like a perfect storm, where cancer, treatment, and lifestyle factors collide.

What Sparks CRT?

While cancer-related thromboembolism (CRT) isn’t always preventable, small lifestyle changes and medical precautions can reduce your chances of developing blood clots during cancer care:

A Hopeful Note

You may not control every risk factor, but healthy habits, preventive strategies, and modern blood-thinning treatments have dramatically reduced the dangers of CRT. Even if clots occur, early detection and intervention can protect your health and allow cancer treatment to continue safely. You have more power than you think.

Diagnosing CRT is like solving a mystery—doctors use a mix of tests to uncover clots in veins or lungs. Don’t worry if it sounds like a lot; we’ll walk you through each step in plain language, so you know what to expect and why it matters. Our goal is to make the process feel less scary and more like a clear path to answers.

The Diagnostic Toolkit

Blood Tests (D-dimer and CBC):

• What It Shows: Elevated D-dimer levels suggest clot formation; CBC checks for anemia or low platelets, which affect clotting.
• Why It Matters: Helps screen for clots but not always specific in cancer patients.
• Experience: Quick blood draw; results in hours.

Ultrasound (Doppler):

• What It Shows: Blockages in leg veins (deep vein thrombosis).
• Why It Matters: First-line test for suspected DVT.
• Experience: Non-invasive; a technician moves a probe over your leg.

Unlike blood clots in people without cancer, CRT is more frequent, more likely to recur, and more dangerous if untreated. Doctors must balance preventing clots with managing bleeding risk, making CRT treatment more complex than routine thrombosis care.

Treating CRT is like a custom-built plan designed around your cancer type, treatment stage, and health. Here’s the complete guide:

Thrombolysis & Thrombectomy: The Emergency Tools

• What It Is: “Clot-busting” drugs or surgical removal of clots.
• When It’s Used: Life-threatening pulmonary embolism or massive DVT.
• What to Expect: Hospital procedure, close monitoring for bleeding.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter: A Safety Net

• What It Is: A small device placed in the main vein to trap clots before they reach the lungs.
• When It’s Used: Patients who cannot take blood thinners.
• What to Expect: Minimally invasive placement; usually temporary.

When you hear “blood clot,” it’s natural to worry. But your outlook depends on many factors, and the future is far more hopeful than before.

What Affects Your Prognosis?

Numbers with Heart

• Without Treatment: Cancer patients with untreated PE face up to 30% mortality.
• With Treatment: Modern anticoagulation reduces risk dramatically; many patients live full lives while continuing cancer therapy.
• Prevention Impact: In high-risk patients, preventive therapy cuts clot risk by nearly half.

Prognosis isn’t destiny—it’s a starting point. Patients overcome CRT every day with early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and strong support systems. For example, Ramesh, 62, developed a clot during lung cancer treatment, but with prompt anticoagulation, he continued therapy safely and remains active today.

What You Can Do

A Word of Comfort

CRTE isn’t just a physical challenge—it touches your emotions, confidence, and daily routines. Feeling anxious, cautious, or overwhelmed is normal. Here’s how to support your mental health, protect your body, and live fully during and after treatment.

Nurturing Your Emotional Health

Facing CRTE during cancer care is tough, but Al Riaz Health Services makes it easier with personalized, global support.