DOACs for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism

Direct oral anticoagulants were associated with lower rates of recurrent VTE but higher rates of major bleeding, compared with low-molecular-weight heparins.

Options for treating patients with cancer-associated thrombosis now include the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) edoxaban, rivaroxaban, and apixaban, in addition to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs).

Now, investigators have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and net clinical benefit of using DOACs versus LMWHs to treat a total of 2894 cancer patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were recurrent VTE and major bleeding; the net clinical benefit was a composite outcome of first recurrent VTE or major bleeding.

In three studies that included a total of 2607 patients with proximal deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, the risk for recurre…

Reviewing Author

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

DOACs for Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism

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Reviewing Author