Incidence, timing and risk factors of venous thromboembolic events in patients with pancreatic cancer

Randa G Hanna-Sawires,Jesse V Groen,Alexander Hamming,Rob A.E.M Tollenaar,Wilma E Mesker,Saskia A.C Luelmo,Alexander L Vahrmeijer,Bert A Bonsing,Henri H Versteeg,F.A Klok,J.Sven D Mieog

doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2021.08.002

Randa G Hanna-Sawires, Jesse V Groen + Show 9 more

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2021.08.002

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Journal: Thrombosis Research	Publication Date: Aug 8, 2021
Citations: 12	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Leiden University

Abstract

IntroductionPancreatic cancer is associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, comprehensive data on incidence, timing and relevant determinants of VTE in this particular population are scarce. Current study assesses incidence, timing and predictors of VTE in pancreatic cancer through different phases of disease. MethodsAll pancreatic cancer patients treated in our tertiary referral center between 2013 through 2017 were studied. Occurrence of VTE was evaluated from diagnosis through end of follow-up or death. Relevant determinants of VTE were identified in logistic regression models. Hazard ratios were calculated to evaluate impact of VTE on overall survival. ResultsIn total, 361 patients were followed for a median period of 43 months; 64 were diagnosed with VTE (18%). Most were tumor related thrombosis (59%), incidental (75%) and occurred after anti-cancer treatment had been stopped (80%), only 1.6% occurred during remission phase. Stage IV pancreatic cancer was a predictor for VTE (hazard ratio (HR) 2.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9–6.8). Biliary drainage (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.28–0.98) and tumor resection (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.45–1.83) were protective factors. VTE was not associated with worse survival (HR 1.3; 95% CI 0.97–1.74). ConclusionsVTE in pancreatic cancer is disease-stage dependent, with 80% occurring in advanced phases of disease when patients no longer receive active treatment. We speculate that this is the main reason for the absence of a survival effect of VTE in our cohort. These practice-based findings should be taken into account when considering wide-spread introduction of primary thromboprophylaxis in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Highlights

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
Multivariate analyses confirmed that tumor stage IV is a pre dictor of VTE (HR 2.46, 95% CI 0.9–6.8 compared to stage I), whereas biliary drainage (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28–0.98) and tumor resection (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.45-1,83) remained independently associated with a lower risk of VTE
The current study provides a detailed overview of incidence and type of VTE during different phases of pancreatic cancer

Summary

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). comprehensive data on incidence, timing and relevant determinants of VTE in this particular population are scarce. Conclusions: VTE in pancreatic cancer is disease-stage dependent, with 80% occurring in advanced phases of disease when patients no longer receive active treatment. We speculate that this is the main reason for the absence of a survival effect of VTE in our cohort. These practice-based findings should be taken into account when considering wide-spread introduction of primary thromboprophylaxis in patients with pancreatic cancer. In the available trials, the lower incidence of VTE achieved with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was not associated with an overall survival benefit.

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