Characteristics of recurrence risk and management implications: a theoretical framework.
| Characteristic of Recurrence Risk Associated with the Risk Factor* . | Potential Treatment Implications . |
|---|---|
| * Risk factors often have multiple associated characteristics (e.g., cancer is associated with high acute and long-term risk of recurrence, and reduced efficacy of VKAs) | |
| High risk acutely | Higher intensity of initial treatment or use of supplemental therapies (e.g., vena caval filter) |
| Delayed decline of risk | Longer duration of treatment |
| High risk persists indefinitely | Indefinite treatment |
| Risk factors associated with reduced treatment efficacy (e.g., vitamin K antagonists [VKAs]) | Use of an alternative therapy (e.g., low-molecular weight heparin) |
| Risk factor is additive or multiplicative with other transient risk factors (i.e., non-selective) | Intermittent treatment when exposed to other risk factors |
| Risk factor is additive or multiplicative with some, but not other, risk factors (i.e., selectively) | Intermittent treatment when exposed to specific risk factors only (avoidance may also be practical [e.g., hormonal therapy]) |
| Characteristic of Recurrence Risk Associated with the Risk Factor* . | Potential Treatment Implications . |
|---|---|
| * Risk factors often have multiple associated characteristics (e.g., cancer is associated with high acute and long-term risk of recurrence, and reduced efficacy of VKAs) | |
| High risk acutely | Higher intensity of initial treatment or use of supplemental therapies (e.g., vena caval filter) |
| Delayed decline of risk | Longer duration of treatment |
| High risk persists indefinitely | Indefinite treatment |
| Risk factors associated with reduced treatment efficacy (e.g., vitamin K antagonists [VKAs]) | Use of an alternative therapy (e.g., low-molecular weight heparin) |
| Risk factor is additive or multiplicative with other transient risk factors (i.e., non-selective) | Intermittent treatment when exposed to other risk factors |
| Risk factor is additive or multiplicative with some, but not other, risk factors (i.e., selectively) | Intermittent treatment when exposed to specific risk factors only (avoidance may also be practical [e.g., hormonal therapy]) |