Heparin and Survival in Cancer Patients

The bi-directional association between cancer and the coagulation system has been known for almost 2 centuries. During the past 2 decades research has focused on the precise mechanisms through which cancer cells are able to induce a hypercoagulable state and how this leads to an environment favorable for cancer growth. Furthermore, the potential inhibitory effect of anticoagulant drugs on cancer progression has been explored. This article discusses these two aspects of the association.