Khorana Score for Cancer VTE Calculator

Khorana score for chemotherapy-associated VTE risk in ambulatory cancer patients (0–6).

For educational and clinical reference. Not a substitute for medical judgment. See the medical disclaimer.

Site of primary cancer

Pre-chemotherapy platelet count ≥ 350 × 10⁹/L

Hemoglobin < 10 g/dL or use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent

Pre-chemotherapy leukocyte count > 11 × 10⁹/L

BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²

Score

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Interpretation

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References

Khorana AA, Kuderer NM, Culakova E, et al. Development and validation of a predictive model for chemotherapy-associated thrombosis. Blood. 2008;111(10):4902-4907.

How to use

Select the cancer site category and the pre-chemotherapy lab/BMI criteria.
The total score (0–6) and VTE risk band update instantly.
Consider ambulatory thromboprophylaxis when the score is ≥ 2 and bleeding risk is acceptable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Khorana score?

A 6-point score that predicts the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in ambulatory cancer patients starting chemotherapy.

What Khorana score warrants prophylaxis?

A score ≥ 2 (and especially ≥ 3) is the usual threshold for considering ambulatory thromboprophylaxis, per ASCO/ITAC guidance, after weighing bleeding risk.

Does Khorana apply to all cancers?

It was derived in solid tumours and lymphoma; it performs less well in some cancers (e.g., it underperforms in lung and certain hematologic malignancies) — clinical judgment is still needed.

When is the score calculated?

Before initiating a new systemic chemotherapy regimen, using the pre-chemotherapy blood counts.

Last updated June 28, 2026