Retrospective study of venous thromboembolic and intracerebral hemorrhagic events in glioblastoma patients.

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in glioblastoma (GB) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective medical record review identified 294 GB patients with VTE or ICH; 146 patients with sufficient treatment records were included. Treatment approaches for GB patients who developed VTE were also reported. RESULTS Of 146 patients, 41 (28%) developed VTE and 3 (2%) developed ICH. Seven (17%) of the 41 VTE patients developed recurrent VTE. Practice patterns for VTE treatment varied widely. Patient demographics were not significantly associated with VTE development. CONCLUSION Despite a low incidence of ICH, even with anticoagulation therapy, physicians are reluctant to administer anticoagulants to GB patients with VTE. The optimum treatment for GB patients with VTE has not been established; however, the benefits of anticoagulation therapy may outweigh the risks of ICH. A prospective clinical trial to evaluate the potential benefits for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in GB patients is warranted.