Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis with Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Abstract

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent, potentially lethal complication in individuals with cancer. Patients with brain tumors are at particularly high risk for VTE. Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, involving the craniospinal axis. The incidence of VTE in patients with PCNSL was reported as very high, occurring mostly in the early period of therapy. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) throughout the treatment of PCNSL. Patients: All patients >18 years of age diagnosed and treated for PCNSL at our institution in 2005–2017 were included. Results: There were 44 patients; mean age at diagnosis was 61.5 years. Three patients (6.8%) had a personal history of thrombosis, 11 (25%) had a history of diabetes or smoking, and 32 (72%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–1 at diagnosis. During treatment with LMWH, no VTE events were recorded; 2 (4.5%) patients experienced a minor bleeding event and 1 (2.3%) a major bleeding event. Conclusions: Among our 44 patients with PCNSL treated with prophylactic LMWH, no VTE events were recorded, and only 1 (asymptomatic) intracranial bleed was recorded. Within the limitations of a retrospective nonrandomized study, our findings suggest that VTE prophylaxis may be beneficial for individuals with PCNSL.