What are the pharmacotherapy options for treating venous thromboembolism in cancer patients?

Abstract

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in patients with malignancies. The treatment of VTE disorders in cancer patients remains a difficult clinical task.

Areas covered: Current evidence on the most appropriate initial and long-term treatment of cancer patients with VTE was addressed, as was the management of recurrent VTE despite anticoagulation, the management of incidentally detected isolated pulmonary embolism (PE), the potential role of the novel direct oral anticoagulants and the impact of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on cancer evolution.

Expert opinion: LMWHs are the cornerstone of VTE treatment in cancer patients. The intensity and duration of treatment are dependent on several factors that need to be individually evaluated. The novel oral anticoagulants should be investigated more carefully before being routinely implemented in the treatment of cancer-associated VTE. Incidentally detected isolated sub-segmental PE is unlikely to require systematic full-dose anticoagulation. Evidence favoring an impact of LMWH on survival in cancer patients is weak.