Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis and Treatment in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update.
Review published in Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (2019)
Abstract
PURPOSE: To provide updated recommendations about prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer. METHODS: PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs published from August 1, 2014, through December 4, 2018. ASCO convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and revise previous recommendations as needed. RESULTS: The systematic review included 35 publications on VTE prophylaxis and treatment and 18 publications on VTE risk assessment. Two RCTs of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the treatment of VTE in patients with cancer reported that edoxaban and rivaroxaban are effective but are linked with a higher risk of bleeding compared with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients with GI and potentially genitourinary cancers. Two additional RCTs reported on DOACs for thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory patients with cancer at increased risk of VTE. RECOMMENDATIONS: Changes to previous recommendations: Clinicians may offer thromboprophylaxis with apixaban, rivaroxaban, or LMWH to selected high-risk outpatients with cancer; rivaroxaban and edoxaban have been added as options for VTE treatment; patients with brain metastases are now addressed in the VTE treatment section; and the recommendation regarding long-term postoperative LMWH has been expanded. Re-affirmed recommendations: Most hospitalized patients with cancer and an acute medical condition require thromboprophylaxis throughout hospitalization. Thromboprophylaxis is not routinely recommended for all outpatients with cancer. Patients undergoing major cancer surgery should receive prophylaxis starting before surgery and continuing for at least 7 to 10 days. Patients with cancer should be periodically assessed for VTE risk, and oncology professionals should provide patient education about the signs and symptoms of VTE.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
To provide updated recommendations about prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer. PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs published from August 1, 2014, through December 4, 2018.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This ASCO clinical practice guideline update systematically reviews and provides recommendations for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and treatment in cancer patients. It discusses the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban, balancing their efficacy against higher bleeding risks in specific cancer types. While the guideline addresses the broad management of thrombosis, there is no defensible link to hirudotherapy or the leech secretome. The article does not mention leeches, hirudin, or related derivatives, focusing strictly on systemic oncology guidelines and oral pharmaceuticals. Therefore, its relevance to the ASH domain is negligible, serving only as a general overview of anticoagulant practices in a highly specific clinical population.
Citation
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis and Treatment in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update.
Key et al. · Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2019
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