Primary VTE Prevention for Patients with Cancer

In a randomized trial, primary prophylaxis in high-risk patients with lung or gastrointestinal cancers lowered incidence of thromboembolism.

Based on results from randomized trials, current guidelines recommend primary prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE) for high-risk outpatients with cancer (J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:3063). However, few ambulatory patients with cancer receive VTE prophylaxis. Australian investigators identified 200 high-risk outpatients — defined as those with either elevated fibrinogen or D-dimer levels — who were being treated for gastrointestinal (GI) or lung cancer and randomized them to receive either low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) VTE prophylaxis or no prophylaxis. In addition, 128 low-risk patients (without elevation of fibrinogen or D-dimer) were followed in a low-risk observational arm.

In the randomized comparison between LMWH and no LMWH…

Reviewing Author

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, MHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Daniel D. Dressler, MD, MSc, MHM, FACP

Disclosures

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill; Elsevier

Editorial BoardsMedical Clinics of North America; Caribbean Medical Journal International Advisory Panel (2021–2026)

Primary VTE Prevention for Patients with Cancer

Topics

Reviewing Author