Cancer-associated thrombosis: investigating the role of new oral anticoagulants.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of cancer and has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancies. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) currently represent the drug of choice for both initial and long-term treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis. In recent years, however, a new class of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) inhibiting directly thrombin or activated factor X have been proposed as an alternative therapeutic option on the basis the results of subgroup analyses of phase III randomized controlled trials, including few cases of patients with cancer. After analysis of the available literature data, we conclude that although potentially interesting, future research specifically conducted in cancer patients is needed to clarify the role of these newer anticoagulant agents in prevention and treatment of cancer-related VTE.
Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, C. Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy. Electronic address: massimo.franchini@aopoma.it.
Massimo
M
Franchini
Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, C. Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy.
Carlo
C
Bonfanti
Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Lippi
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D000069604:Dabigatran / Q000008:administration & dosage; D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006493:Heparin / Q000737:chemistry; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011725:Pyridines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013917:Thrombin / Q000737:chemistry; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D065427:Factor Xa Inhibitors; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D011725:Pyridines; D013844:Thiazoles; D006493:Heparin; D013917:Thrombin; D000069604:Dabigatran; C552171:edoxaban
Cancer; New oral anticoagulants; Therapy; Venous thromboembolism