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 an occult cancer in patients with idiopathic VTE (also described by Trousseau);
3. The likelihood that tumors possessed characteristics that activate blood coagulation (again, an observation of Trousseau); and, finally,
4. The possibility of a relation between the clotting mechanisms and 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 10-15 years, stimulating a need for researchers to convene and discuss on these topics. However, an appropriate forum was lacking for an exchange between basic and clinical investigators.
For this reason, Dr.s Anna Falanga, Frederick R. Rickles, and Benjamin Brenner decided to organize a conference on this subject.  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 and 2016), and Stresa (2010), both in the Northern Italy.

The aim

The aim of the conference is to review the recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of thrombohemorrhagic 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 is designed to favor 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 appreciate the scientific aspects, the social events and the unique, friendly atmosphere.

The Conference Chairmen: Anna Falanga (Italy), Benjamin Brenner (Israel), Frederick R. Rickles (USA)