American Society of Hirudotherapy

Treatment algorithm in cancer-associated thrombosis: Canadian expert consensus.

Review published in Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.) (2018)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Systematic reviewClinical TrialsDrug DevelopmentCarrier et al. · Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.), 2018

Abstract

Management of anticoagulant therapy for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (vte) in cancer patients is complex because of an increased risk of recurrent vte and major bleeding complications in those patients relative to the general population. Subgroups of patients with cancer also show variation in their risk for recurrent vte and adverse bleeding events. Accordingly, a committee of 10 Canadian clinical experts developed the consensus risk- stratification treatment algorithm presented here to provide guidance on tailoring anticoagulant treatment choices for the acute and extended treatment of symptomatic and incidental vte, to prevent recurrent vte, and to minimize the bleeding risk in patients with cancer. During a 1-day live meeting, a systematic review of the literature was performed, and a draft treatment algorithm was developed. The treatment algorithm was refined through the use of a Web-based platform and a series of online teleconferences. Clinicians using this treatment algorithm should consider the bleeding risk, the type of cancer, and the potential for drug-drug interactions in addition to informed patient preference in determining the most appropriate treatment for patients with cancer-associated thrombosis. Anticoagulant therapy should be regularly reassessed as the patient's cancer status and management change over time.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tSystematic ReviewConsensus Statement
Indexed MeSH termsAlgorithmsAnticoagulantsCanadaHumansNeoplasmsThrombosis

Summary

Management of anticoagulant therapy for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (vte) in cancer patients is complex because of an increased risk of recurrent vte and major bleeding complications in those patients relative to the general population. Subgroups of patients with cancer also show...

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This consensus statement and systematic review developed a risk-stratification treatment algorithm to guide anticoagulant therapy for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients, considering bleeding risk, cancer type, and drug interactions. The abstract addresses management of cancer-associated thrombosis using conventional systemic anticoagulants. For the American Society of Hirudotherapy, the topic of anticoagulation in thrombotic disease is conceptually adjacent, but the abstract contains no mention of leeches, hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, or any localized anticoagulant therapy. Its relevance to hirudotherapy is purely indirect, providing background on standard anticoagulation management without any leech-related content.

Citation

Treatment algorithm in cancer-associated thrombosis: Canadian expert consensus.

Carrier et al. · Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.), 2018

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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