The Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Malignant tumors are known to exhibit an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) represent a heterogeneous group that significantly differs from other malignancies in terms of biology and clinical management. The data on the incidence of thromboembolic events in NENs is limited and no specific recommendations on the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in this group have been established. Such issues led to this work. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the thromboembolic events in NENs which represents a prerequisite for improved assessment of the VTE risk in NENs and optimized selection of patients who will benefit most from antithrombotic prophylaxis. ABSTRACT: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) differ from other malignancies in their ability to produce hormones and biogenic amines, as well as offer a better prognosis in well-differentiated tumors. There are no definite data on the occurrence of thromboembolic events in NENs and no recommendations regarding the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in this group. Accurate assessment of the thromboembolic risk in NENs represents an important issue, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality due to complications of VTE. The aim of this work was to review the occurrence of thromboembolic events in NENs and the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in this group. A total of 28 studies identified on PubMed were analyzed. NENs, especially of pancreatic primary, exhibit an increased thrombotic risk. Atypical VTE locations are quite common in NENs. Hormonally active NENs are associated with a significantly increased thromboembolic risk. Further studies in NENs are needed to evaluate the parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis as predictive biomarkers for VTE complications.