VTE Treatment and Secondary Prevention in Cancer Patients

CancerThrombosis.org :: Treatment and Secondary Prevention: 

"The American Society of Clinical Oncology guideline: Recommendations for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment in patients with cancer
Key recommendations for secondary prevention of recurrent VTE19"

• LMWH is the preferred approach for the initial 5 to 10 days of anticoagulant treatment of the cancer patient with established VTE

• LMWH given for 6 months is also the preferred approach for long-term anticoagulant therapy. Vitamin K antagonists with a targeted INR of 2 to 3 are acceptable for long-term therapy when LMWH is not available

• After 6 months, indefinite anticoagulant therapy should be considered for selected patients with active cancer, such as those with metastatic disease and those receiving chemotherapy

• The insertion of a vena cava filter is only indicated for patients with contraindications to anticoagulant therapy and in those with recurrent VTE despite adequate long-term therapy with LMWH

• For patients with CNS malignancies, anticoagulation is recommended for established VTE as described for other patients with cancer. Careful monitoring is necessary to limit the risk of hemorrhagic complications. Anticoagulation should be avoided in the presence of active intracranial bleeding, recent surgery, preexisting bleeding diathesis such as thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50 coagulopathy="" font="" l="" or="">

• For elderly patients, anticoagulation is recommended for established VTE as described for other patients with cancer. Careful monitoring and dose adjustment is necessary to avoid excessive anticoagulation and further increase in the risk of bleeding

For full article including great summary charts and diagrams as well as other key player guidelines, click here.

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