Low Molecular Weight Heparin as a Therapeutic Tool for Cancer; Special Emphasis on Breast Cancer

Wasana K Sumanasekera*¹, William Nethery², Loc Tran³ and Gopal Pillai⁴

Received: November 08, 2018;   Published: November 19, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.11.002064

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Abstract

Cancer is a debilitating, life changing disease that not only affects patients but their families as well. Individuals who suffer through cancer constantly battle against the disease. There are several forms of cancer and many therapies are currently available. In addition to standard therapy, the anti-coagulant class of Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWH) can be used for supportive therapy in cancer patients [1]. The anti-cancer properties of LMWH were reviewed by a few groups [2,3]. Existing reviews on the subject are more generalized and do not provide the complete picture of the LMWH’s mechanistic role in attenuating cancer. Our review describes the current evidence supporting beneficial effects of LMWH in cancer patients and the mechanistic details of LMWH’s anti-tumor activities with special emphasis on breast and ovarian cancers.

Abbreviations : LMWH: Low Molecular Weight Heparins; DVT: Deep Vein Thromboembolism; VTE: Vein Thromboembolism; VEGF: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; UFH: Unfractionated Heparin; ULMWH: Ultra Low Molecular Weight Heparins; NCCN: National Comprehensive Cancer Network; TCM: Tumor Cell Conditioned Medium; VLA: Very Late Antigen; VCAM: Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule; LAC: Low Anticoagulant Activity; AT: Antithrombin; NACH: Non Anti-Coagulant Heparin; NA-LMWH: Non-Anticoagulant Low Molecular Weight Heparin; TGFB: Transforming Growth Factor Beta