Venous Thromboembolism In Cancer Patients Research Articles

Primary Thromboprophylaxis for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients with Central Venous Catheters: A Literature Review.

Cancer is a known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The wider adoption of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic drugs in recent years have increased this risk further. Central venous catheters (CVCs) are widely used access devices utilized to deliver infusion therapy, mostly in ambulatory settings. The endothelial injury associated with the use of these catheters adds to the risk of VTE to already high-risk patients. The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), with its proven efficacy and safety in multiple clinical indications, have renewed the attention to VTE prophylaxis in cancer patients with CVC. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses had shown that both apixaban and rivaroxaban are effective in lowering the risk of VTE, without increasing the risk of bleeding. Several risk assessment models (RAM) have utilized patient-related, tumor-related, and treatment-related factors, in addition to widely available biomarkers, like Hemoglobin (Hb) level, white blood cell (WBC) and platelets counts to stratify patients into two or three VTE risk levels. In this manuscript, we review the published clinical trials and meta-analyses that attempted to study the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants, mostly the DOACs, in cancer patients with CVCs. We will also propose a practical risk-directed approach to enhance VTE prophylaxis rate.

The pathogenesis of cancer-associated thrombosis.

Patients with cancer have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), compared to the general population. Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a thrombotic event that occurs as a complication of cancer or cancer therapy. Major factors determining VTE risk in cancer patients include not only treatment history and patient characteristics, but also cancer type and site. Cancer types can be broadly divided into three groups based on VTE risk: high risk (pancreatic, ovarian, brain, stomach, gynecologic, and hematologic), intermediate risk (colon and lung), and low risk (breast and prostate). This implies that the mechanism of VTE differs between cancer types and that specific VTE pathways may exist for different cancer types. This review summarizes the specific pathways that contribute to VTE in cancer patients, with a particular focus on leukocytosis, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), tissue factor (TF), thrombocytosis, podoplanin (PDPN), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the intrinsic coagulation pathway, and von Willebrand factor (VWF).

Abstract WP237: Anticoagulant Utilization and Risk of Thromboembolic Events Following Ischemic Stroke Among Adults With Cancer

Rationale: Ischemic stroke and cancer frequently coexist, but there are limited data from population-based cohorts regarding prevalence, risk of subsequent thromboembolic events, and treatments. Methods: We leveraged large-scale healthcare data to assess recurrent thromboembolic events in the 6 months following discharge for ischemic stroke among a nationally representative U.S. population with active cancer. Landmark analyses were undertaken with anticoagulant exposure status based on dispensations in the week following hospital discharge. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models with robust variance estimators to account for clustering within propensity score-matched pairs. Results: Among 86,365 adults discharged after an ischemic stroke between 10/2020-09/2021, 10.2% had active cancer. Based on eligibility criteria (including removal of those with known atrial fibrillation), 4,819 were assessed [median age 74 years; 48.7% female; common cancer types: 25.3% gastrointestinal, 20.3% prostate, 18.4% lung]. Anticoagulants were dispensed to 14.7% of the cohort in the week following discharge. Incidence of thromboembolic event recurrence was 37.5 per 100 person-years (66.7% ischemic stroke). Initial anticoagulation was associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism recurrence (aHR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.06-1.90). Conclusions: This large-scale real-world study demonstrates an estimated 10% of patients with ischemic stroke had active cancer, and they faced a very high 6-month incidence of recurrent thromboembolism. Anticoagulants were not commonly prescribed after discharge, suggesting that clinicians use them less commonly for stroke than for venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. The higher risk of recurrent events on anticoagulants likely reflects residual confounding by indication. Clinical trials are needed to further assess optimal antithrombotic strategies in this population.

Inherited thrombophilia gene mutations and risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the general population, individuals with an inherited thrombophilia have a higher risk of thrombosis, but the effect of inherited thrombophilia on the risk of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. Our objective was to determine the risk of VTE in cancer patients with inherited thrombophilia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting on VTE after a cancer diagnosis in adult patients who were tested for inherited thrombophilia. In September 2022, we searched Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Two reviewers screened the abstracts/full texts and assessed study quality using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. We used Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) of VTE and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We included 37 and 28 studies in the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. Most studies focused on specific cancer types and hematologic malignancies were rare. The risk of VTE was significantly higher in cancer patients with non-O (compared with O) blood types (OR: 1.56 [95% CI: 1.28-1.90]), Factor V Leiden, and Prothrombin Factor II G20210A mutations compared with wild types (OR: 2.28 [95% CI: 1.51-3.48] and 2.14 [95% CI: 1.14-4.03], respectively). Additionally, heterozygous and homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T had ORs of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.00-2.24) and 1.38 (95% CI: 0.87-2.22), respectively. Among those with Plasminogen-Activator Inhibitor-1 4G/5G, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) A C634G, and VEGF C2578A mutations, there was no significant association with VTE. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provided evidence that non-O blood types, Factor V Leiden, and Prothrombin Factor II G20210A mutations are important genetic risk factors for VTE in cancer patients.

The Contribution of Inherited Thrombophilia to Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients.

Although the relationship between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and cancer has been a subject of study, knowledge of the contribution of thrombophilia to thrombosis in patients with cancer is still very limited. The aim of this article is to collect present knowledge on the contribution of inherited thrombophilia to VTE in cancer patients. We performed a search in Google Scholar and PubMed and selected 21 from 76 returned articles. Then we made a narrative review of the selected articles. We describe 11 studies on the contribution of inherited thrombophilia to VTE in cancer patients in general and 10 on that contribution in specific types of cancer: 1 in colorectal cancer, 4 in breast cancer, 1 in gynecologic cancer and 4 in hematopoietic malignancies. All studies investigate the relation of factor V Leiden (FVL) to VTE, 13 that of the prothrombin G20210A mutation (PTG20210A) and 7 studies also investigate other inherited thrombophilias, such methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutations, although only 2 investigate the contribution of deficiencies of the natural anticoagulants. Studies are very heterogeneous, in design and sample size and conclusions differ considerably. There is no consensus on the contribution of inherited thrombophilia to VTE in cancer patients except for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. Probably, that contribution is not the same for all types of cancer and more studies are needed to bring more knowledge on this subject.

Association between TSPAN15 (rs78707713) and SLC44A2 (rs2288904) Genetic Polymorphisms and Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients

Association between TSPAN15 (rs78707713) and SLC44A2 (rs2288904) Genetic Polymorphisms and Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients

Influencing factors of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients and effect analysis of early nursing interventions

Influencing factors of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients and effect analysis of early nursing interventions

Inherited Thrombophilia Gene Mutations and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Inherited thrombophilia and cancer are both recognized risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the general population, the risk of thrombosis is increased in patients with inherited thrombophilia, but the role of inherited thrombophilia on the risk of cancer-associated VTE remains controversial. The objective of this study was to summarize and determine whether cancer patients with inherited thrombophilia gene mutations have an increased risk of developing VTE. We conducted a systematic literature search in Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Central databases, as well as references of included studies from inception until September 26 th 2022. We included observational (cohort or case-control) and interventional studies comprising of human adult cancer patients who were tested for any inherited thrombophilia gene mutation. The outcome was objectively confirmed symptomatic or asymptomatic first VTE (upper or lower limbs deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and/or splanchnic or cerebral vein thrombosis) occurring after a cancer diagnosis. Two reviewers independently screened the titles/abstracts and full texts of all potentially eligible articles. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models. We used the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) risk of bias tool to assess study risk of bias. A total of 4274 studies were screened for eligibility. Thirty-six studies involving different cancer types and treatments were included in the systematic review, of which 28 studies were included in the meta-analysis (Figure 1). Among studies included in the meta-analysis, 9 studies included various cancer types while the remaining 19 studies were in selected cancer types (3 lung, 3 myeloma, 2 brain, 2 bladder, 2 breast, 2 gynecologic, 1 testicular, 1 lung or gastrointestinal, 1 pancreas, 1 colorectal and 1 breast or gastrointestinal). There were 18 cohort (11 prospective and 7 retrospective) and 10 case-control studies. The following seven inherited thrombophilia gene mutations were meta-analyzed: ABO blood type, Factor V Leiden (FVL), Methylenetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T, Plasminogen-Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G, Prothrombin Factor II G20210A, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) C634G and VEGF C2578A. In cancer patients with non-O blood types, FVL and Prothrombin Factor II G20210A mutations, the risk of VTE was significantly increased with ORs of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.28-1.90), 2.28 (95% CI: 1.51-3.48) and 2.14 (95% CI: 1.14-4.03), respectively, compared to patients with O blood and wild types (Table 1). In addition, heterozygous and homozygous MTHFR C677T were associated with ORs of 1.50 (95% CI: 1.00-2.24) and 1.38 (95% CI: 0.87-2.22), respectively (Table 1). Among those with heterozygous and homozygous PAI-1 4G/5G, VEGF C634G and VEGF C2578A, no significant increase in the odds of VTE and moderate to considerable heterogeneity were observed (Table 1). Few studies had low risk of bias, except for studies of ABO blood group, which predominantly had low risk of bias. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that non-O blood type, FVL, Prothrombin Factor II G20210A and heterozygous MTHFR C677T significantly increase the risk of VTE in cancer patients. However, there is moderate to high risk of bias in the currently available data, further well-designed studies are needed.

Blood Biomarkers and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patients with cancer have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Currently, several VTE risk prediction tools have been developed to identify candidates for primary VTE thromboprophylaxis. However, the availability of reliable and highly discriminatory prediction models for VTE risk assessment in cancer patients is limited, warranting further improvement of VTE risk stratification strategies. The implementation of biomarkers in risk assessment models might lead to refined VTE risk prediction, but it remains to be more comprehensively investigated. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate and summarize all candidate biomarkers and their association with cancer-associated VTE. We conducted an electronic search in Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane central databases for studies that evaluated biomarkers in adult patients with cancer from inception to September 26 th 2022. We included observational and interventional studies reporting on subsequent VTE occurring after a cancer diagnosis. The baseline or index event of the biomarker measurements had to be definitively and uniformly applied to all enrolled patients. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion. Median differences (for continuous measures) and Odds Ratios (OR) (for dichotomous cut-off measures) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated and pooled using random-effects models. We assessed each studies risk of bias using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) risk of bias tool. Our search identified 4274 studies that were screened for inclusion (Figure 1). Following the screening, 109 studies (with 520 biomarker measurements) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of these, 51 studies (with 174 biomarker measurements) were included in the meta-analysis. The majority of the studies were cohort studies (n=47; 32 prospective and 15 retrospective), while the other 4 studies were nested case-control studies. Eighteen studies had a study population of mixed cancer types and the remaining studies had a study population of specific cancer types, including: lung (n=6), gynecologic (n=5), breast (n=3), stomach (n=3), lymphoma (n=2), myeloma (n=2), ovarian (n=2), pancreas (n=2), brain (n=1), colorectal (n=1), gastrointestinal (n=1), genitourinary (n=1), gynecologic or breast (n=1), head and neck (n=1), liver (n=1), and prostate (n=1). We calculated the median difference and 95% CI for 23 different biomarkers. Cancer patients who experienced subsequent VTE events had significantly higher pre-treatment factor VIII activity, peak thrombin, platelet count and prothrombin fragment F1+2 levels compared to patients who did not experience VTE events (Table 1). Pre-treatment d-dimer levels were also higher in cancer patients who developed VTE, however, considerable heterogeneity was observed (Table 1). Contrastingly, pre-treatment hemoglobin, lag time - thrombin generation, prothrombin time and time to peak thrombin levels were significantly lower in those experiencing VTE events compared to patients who did not experience any events (Table 1). D-dimer levels on day-1 after cancer surgery were reported in two studies which, when pooled, revealed that cancer patients with subsequent VTE had higher d-dimer levels post-operatively compared to those with no events (Table 1). Moreover, pre-treatment hemoglobin levels 100 g/L was significantly associated with future VTE risk [OR: 1.42 (95%CI: 1.03-1.97), I 2=0%, n=11] while neutrophil lymphocyte ratio 3 was associated, yet insignificant [OR: 1.60 (95%CI: 0.99-2.60), I 2=43%, n=4]. Pre-treatment platelet count 350 x 10 9/L and white blood count levels 11 x 10 9/L were not significantly associated with future VTE risk [OR: 0.84 (95%CI: 0.66-1.06), I 2=0%, n=9 and 1.32 (0.86-2.03), I 2=56%, n=8, respectively]. From the 51 studies included in the meta-analyses, 27 studies had a low risk of bias, 19 studies had a moderate risk of bias and 5 studies had a high risk of bias. In conclusion, nine blood biomarkers were found to be significantly associated with VTE in cancer patients. Their utility as predictors of VTE in thrombotic risk assessment models may help in optimising VTE prediction and should be further explored in future studies.

Enoxaparin for Long-Term Therapy of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer and Renal Insufficiency.

The optimal therapy of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients with renal insufficiency (RI) is unknown. Current guidelines recommend to use low-molecular-weight heparin over direct oral anticoagulants to treat VTE in cancer patients at high risk of bleeding. We used the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Tromboemb00F3lica (RIETE) registry to compare the 6-month incidence rates of (1) VTE recurrences versus major bleeding and (2) fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) versus fatal bleeding in three subgroups (those with mild, moderate, or severe RI) of cancer patients receiving enoxaparin monotherapy. From January 2009 through June 2022, 2,844 patients with RI received enoxaparin for ≥6 months: 1,432 (50%) had mild RI, 1,168 (41%) moderate RI, and 244 (8.6%) had severe RI. Overall, 68, 62, and 12%, respectively, received the recommended doses. Among patients with mild RI, the rates of VTE recurrences versus major bleeding (4.6 vs. 5.4%) and fatal PE versus fatal bleeding (1.3 vs. 1.2%) were similar. Among patients with moderate RI, VTE recurrences were half as common as major bleeding (3.1 vs. 6.3%), but fatal PE and fatal bleeding were close (1.8 vs. 1.2%). Among patients with severe RI, VTE recurrences were threefold less common than major bleeding (4.1 vs. 13%), but fatal PE was threefold more frequent than fatal bleeding (2.5 vs. 0.8%). During the first 10 days, fatal PE was fivefold more common than fatal bleeding (2.1 vs. 0.4%). Among cancer patients with severe RI, fatal PE was fivefold more common than fatal bleeding. The recommended doses of enoxaparin in these patients should be revisited.

Abstract 12787: Efficacy and Safety of Apixaban versus Low Molecular Weight Heparin for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Current guidelines recommend the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients. However, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as promising alternative for reducing VTE events. Moreover, apixaban shows a higher safety profile among DOACs. Hypothesis: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of apixaban versus LMWH (Enoxaparin or Dalteparin) in the treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries) from inception until June 2023, using appropriate Mesh terms for ‘apixaban’, ‘LMWH’, and ‘VTE’. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects models. A p-value of <0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results: Five randomized trials involving 2311 patients (apixaban: 1088 and LMWH: 1223) with mean ages of 64.5±11.45 and 64.2±10.8, respectively, were included in the analysis. At a median follow-up of six months, the occurrence of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) (OR, 1.04, 95% CI: 0.66 - 1.64, I2=37.72%, p=0.87), composite of major and CRNMB (OR, 1.11, 95% CI: 0.84 - 1.46, I2=0.00%, p=0.47), were higher with apixaban treatment. However, the rates of recurrent VTE (OR, 0.72, 95% CI: 0.50 - 1.04, I2=3.91%, p=0.08), major bleeding (OR, 0.83, 95% CI: 0.55 - 1.25, I2=0.00%, p=0.38), and mortality (OR, 0.91, 95% CI: 0.79 - 1.05, I2=0.00%, p=0.19) were lower with apixaban compared to LMWH treatment. However, none of the observed differences reached statistical significance. Conclusions: In cancer patients with VTE, apixaban demonstrates non-inferior efficacy and a comparable safety profile to LMWH. Further randomized trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Cancer-Associated Abdominal Vein Thrombosis.

Cancer is associated with an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, due to its direct influence on the three pillars of Virchow's triad (e.g., compression on the blood vessels by the tumour, blood vessels invasion, and cytokine release), together with the effect of exogenous factors (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery). In cancer patients, the risk of thrombosis at unusual sites, such as splanchnic, ovarian and renal vein thrombosis, is also increased. Abdominal vein thromboses are frequently incidental findings on abdominal imaging performed as part of the diagnostic/staging workup or the follow-up care of malignancies. There is little evidence on the management of unusual site venous thromboembolism in cancer patients since there are only a few specific recommendations; thus, the management follows the general principles of the treatment of cancer-associated deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This narrative review summarises the latest evidence on cancer-associated abdominal vein thrombosis, i.e., thrombosis of the splanchnic, ovarian and renal veins.

Impact of venous thromboembolism on the mortality in patients with cancer: a population-based cohort study.

Despite recent improvements in the treatment of cancer, little is known about the long-term survival in patients with cancer and venous thromboembolism. We aimed to examine the five-year mortality of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients in a large population-based cohort study. Using Danish healthcare registries from 1995 to 2020, we obtained data on cancer patients with venous thromboembolism and comparison cohorts of cancer patients without venous thromboembolism, matched in terms of cancer type, age, sex, and year of cancer diagnosis, and adjusted for level of comorbidity and frailty using the Charlson Comorbidity Index Score and Hospital Frailty Risk Score, marital status, use of selected medications, and recent surgery (<90 days). During the study period, 886,536 patients were diagnosed with cancer. Of 1882 cancer patients diagnosed at the time of their venous thromboembolism, 44.4% (835/1882) had distant metastases. In this cohort, the one- and five-year mortality cumulative incidences were 68% (1284/1882) and 84% (1578/1882), respectively, in contrast to 38% (2135/5549) and 67% (3653/5549) in the comparison cohort. The mortality rate ratio was 4.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.95-4.78) for the first year of follow-up and 3.44 (95% CI 3.17-3.73) for the five-year follow-up period. Of the 23,366 patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism after cancer diagnosis, 18% (4183/23,366) had distant metastases at the time of cancer diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of death at one year was 45% (10,465/23,366; mortality rate ratio 3.48, 95% CI 3.37-3.60) and at five years 69% (15,669/23,366; mortality rate ratio 2.57, 95% CI 2.50-2.63). Despite improved cancer treatment, venous thromboembolism in cancer patients is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. The study was supported by grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (record no. 3101-00102B) and the Karen Elise Jensen Foundation.

458P Association between TSPAN15 and SLC44A2 genetic polymorphisms and venous thromboembolism in cancer patients

458P Association between TSPAN15 and SLC44A2 genetic polymorphisms and venous thromboembolism in cancer patients

Machine-Learning-Assisted Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicle Barcode Assay toward High-Performance Evaluation of Thrombosis-Induced Death Risk in Cancer Patients.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most fatal complication in cancer patients. Unfortunately, the frequent misdiagnosis of VTE owing to the lack of accurate and efficient evaluation approaches may cause belated medical intervention and even sudden death. Herein, we present a rapid, easily operable, highly specific, and highly sensitive procoagulant extracellular vesicle barcode (PEVB) assay composed of TiO2 nanoflower (TiNFs) for visually evaluating VTE risk in cancer patients. TiNFs demonstrate rapid label-free EV capture capability by the synergetic effect of TiO2-phospholipids molecular interactions and topological interactions between TiNFs and EVs. From ordinary plasma samples, the PEVB assay can evaluate potential VTE risk by integrating TiNFs-based EV capture and in situ EV procoagulant ability test with machine-learning-assisted clinical data analysis. We demonstrate the feasibility of this PEVB assay in VTE risk evaluation by screening 167 cancer patients, as well as the high specificity (97.1%) and high sensitivity (96.8%), fully exceeding the nonspecific and posterior traditional VTE test. Together, we proposed a TiNFs platform allowing for highly accurate and timely diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients.

Inhibition of Factor XI: A New Era in the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients?

Direct oral anticoagulants against activated factor X and thrombin were the last milestone in thrombosis treatment. Step by step, they replaced antivitamin K and heparins in most of their therapeutic indications. As effective as the previous anticoagulant, the decreased but persistent risk of bleeding while using direct oral anticoagulants has created space for new therapeutics aiming to provide the same efficacy with better safety. On this basis, drug targeting factor XI emerged as an option. In particular, cancer patients might be one of the populations that will most benefit from this technical advance. In this review, after a brief presentation of the different factor IX inhibitors, we explore the potential benefit of this new treatment for cancer patients.

COMPASS-CAT versus Khorana risk assessment model for predicting venous thromboembolic events in patients with non-small cell lung cancer on active treatment with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy, the CK-RAM study.

Cancer patients are at higher risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Several risk assessment models (RAM), including the Khorana and COMPASS-CAT, were developed to help predict the occurrence of VTE in cancer patients on active anti-cancer therapy. We aim to study the prevalence and predictors of VTE among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and compare both RAMs in predicting VTE in patients with NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. Variables known to increase the risk of VTE were collected and risk of VTE was assessed using both Khorana and COMPASS-CAT RAM. A total of 508 patients (mean age ± SD, 58.4 ± 12.2 years) were enrolled. Most (n = 357, 70.3%) patients had adenocarcinoma, and 333 (65.6%) patients had metastatic disease. VTE were confirmed in 76 (15.0%) patients. Rates were higher among patients with metastatic disease (19.8%, p < 0.001), adenocarcinoma (17.4%, p = 0.01) and those treated with immunotherapy (23.5%, p = 0.014). VTE rates were 21.2%, 14.1% and 13.9% among those with high (n = 66), intermediate (n = 341) and low (n = 101) Khorana risk scores, respectively (p = 0.126). On the other hand, 190 (37.4%) were classified as high risk by the COMPASS-CAT RAM; 52 (27.4%) of them had VTE compared to 24 (7.5%) of the remaining 318 (62.6%) classified as Low/Intermediate risk level, p < 0.001. In conclusion, patients with NSCLC are at high risk for VTE, especially those with adenocarcinoma, metastatic disease and when treated with immunotherapy. Compared to Khorana RAM, COMPASS-CAT RAM was better in identifying more patients in high-risk group, with higher VTE rate.

Unveiling the diagnostic enigma of D-dimer testing in cancer patients: Current evidence and areas of application.

Cancer is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). A combined strategy of D-dimer testing and clinical pre-test probability is usually used to exclude VTE. However, its effectiveness is diminished in cancer patients due to reduced specificity, ultimately leading to a decreased clinical utility. This review article seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of how to interpret D-dimer testing in cancer patients. In accordance with PRISMA standards, literature pertaining to the diagnostic and prognostic significance of D-dimer testing in cancer patients was carefully chosen from reputable sources such as PubMed and the Cochrane databases. D-dimers have not only a diagnostic value in ruling out VTE but can also serve as an aid for rule-in if their values exceed 10-times the upper limit of normal. This threshold allows a diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients with a positive predictive value of more than 80%. Moreover, elevated D-dimers carry important prognostic information and are associated with VTE reoccurrence. A gradual increase in risk for all-cause death suggests that VTE is also an indicator of biologically more aggressive cancer types and advanced cancer stages. Considering the lack of standardization for D-dimer assays, it is essential for clinicians to carefully consider the variations in assay performance and the specific test characteristics of their institution. Standardizing D-dimer assays and developing modified pretest probability models specifically for cancer patients, along with adjusted cut-off values for D-dimer testing, could significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of VTE diagnosis in this population.

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Versus Warfarin in Adult Cancer Patients as a Precision Medicine for Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a conditionoften seen in patients diagnosed with cancer and is recognized as a predictor of poor outcomes in these patients. The probability ofVTE recurringis generally higher in people with cancer than in those without; hence, addressing this issue is essential when making healthcare decisions. Therefore, our systematic review was primarily designed to compare low-weight- molecular heparin (LMWH) to warfarin in reducing recurrent VTE among cancer patients. However, other outcomes were also evaluated, such as mortality and bleeding events observed more in cancer patients. The selection of relevant articles was carried out using a database search and a manual search, which involved reviewing reference lists of articles eligible for inclusion in the current review. The methodological quality of each included study was then assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool in the Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4.1). Additionally, pooled results were examined using the Review Manager software and presented as forest plots. Our search of electronic databases elicited a total of 2163 articles, of which only six were deemed eligible for inclusion and analysis. Data pooled from the six studies demonstrated the effectiveness of LMWH in minimizing the reoccurrence of VTE over warfarin [risk ratio (RR): 0.67; 95% CI: 0.47 - 0.95; p = 0.03]. However, LMWH had a similar effect statisticallyas warfarin on the major bleeding events (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.62 - 1.77; p = 0.85), minor bleeding events (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.54 - 1.20; p = 0.28), and all-cause mortality (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.88 - 1.13; p = 0.99). While LMWH demonstrated its effectiveness in minimizing the incidence of VTE recurrence over warfarin in cancer patients, it had no statistical difference in terms of mortality or bleeding events when compared to warfarin. Based on our findings, we recommend that LMWH continues to be usedas a first-line treatment regimen to mitigate recurrent VTE in cancer patients.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors: risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients examined

Immune checkpoint inhibitors: risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients examined