Thromboembolic disease and breathlessness.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprising deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus, confers a significant symptom burden in the supportive care setting, and yet is often unrecognized. Its management remains challenging because the clinical trials informing practice recruited patients that are largely unrepresentative of the advanced disease populations.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent years have seen several developments in the management of VTE including new oral anticoagulants, an appreciation of the patient's experience of VTE, and the importance of considering other comorbidities in ensuring an individualized approach to VTE treatment.

SUMMARY: This study reviews the challenges of VTE management within supportive and palliative care, the new oral anticoagulants and the management of VTE in cases in which the evidence is lacking.