International Conference on Thrombosis and Hemostasis Issues in Cancer (ICTHIC)

The field

The association between cancer and thrombosis has been known for more than a century and, since its original description, this association has had several definitions, including:

1. The increased risk of Venous Thromboembolism as a complication of Cancer (as first described by Armand Trousseau in 1865);
2. The increased risk of occult cancer in patients with idiopathic VTE;
3. The likelihood that tumors possessed characteristics that activate blood coagulation; and, finally,
4. The possibility of a relationship between the clotting mechanisms, the enhancement of tumor growth, and the development of metastases (as postulated by Billroth in 1878).

This field of research has literally exploded in the last 15-20 years, stimulating a need for researchers to convene and discuss these topics. However, an appropriate forum was lacking for exchange between basic and clinical investigators.

For this reason, the Conference Chairmen decided to organize a conference on this field. Since its first edition in 2001, the International Conference on Thrombosis and Hemostasis Issues in Cancer (ICTHIC) has provided such a forum in the splendid cities of Bergamo (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022 as hybrid edition, 2024), and Stresa (2010), both in Northern Italy and in 2021 the Digital edition.

The aim

The aim of the conference is to review the recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of thrombo-hemorrhagic complications in cancer patients, both from the basic and clinical research points of view. The conference stimulates a very high level of discussion between invited speakers and participants, and the format of the conference favors an active exchange between the scientists. ICTHIC is the first, and the most important, international conference on hemostasis and cancer and in the ensuing years has continued to be well attended by delegates from all over the world, who strongly appreciated the scientific aspects, the social events, and the unique, friendly atmosphere.

The Conference Chairmen: Anna Falanga (Italy), Benjamin Brenner (Israel), Alok A. Khorana (USA)