Key result
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be a reasonable alternative to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis.
Why the study?
Although low molecular weight heparin has been the standard for cancer-related thrombosis, recent randomized trials suggest direct oral anticoagulants may be an alternative, prompting a summary of DOAC efficacy, safety, and limitations.
Do DOACs improve safety and efficacy compared to LMWH in the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis in cancer patients?
Do DOACs improve safety and efficacy compared to LMWH in the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis in cancer patients?
This review highlights that DOACs are emerging as a reasonable alternative to the standard LMWH for managing cancer-related thrombosis.
Supports DOAC consideration as LMWH alternative in cancer thrombosis; leaves open need for confirmatory RCTs.
Thrombosis is a more common occurrence in cancer patients compared to the general population and is one of the main causes of death in these patients. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been the recognized standard treatment for more than a decade, both in cancer-related thrombosis and in its prevention. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new option for anticoagulation therapy. Recently published results of large randomized clinical trials have confirmed that DOAC may be a reasonable alternative to LMWH in cancer patients. The following review summarizes the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of DOAC in the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis. It also draws attention to the limitations of this group of drugs, knowledge of which will facilitate the selection of optimal therapy.
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Wojtukiewicz et al. (2020) conducted a review in Cancer-related thrombosis. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) vs. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was evaluated on Safety and efficacy in the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be a reasonable alternative to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the treatment and prevention of cancer-related thrombosis.
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