ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for high-risk populations undergoing major abdominal cancer operations. Few studies have evaluated extended VTE prophylaxis in the Medicare population who are at higher risk due to age.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective study using a 20% random sample of Medicare claims, 2012-2017. Patients ≥65 years with an abdominal cancer undergoing resection were included. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving new extended VTE prophylaxis prescriptions at discharge. Secondary outcomes included postdischarge VTE and hemorrhagic events.

RESULTS: The study included 72 983 patients with a mean age of 75. Overall, 8.9% of patients received extended VTE prophylaxis. This proportion increased (7.2% in 2012, 10.6% in 2017; p < 0.001). Incidence of postdischarge hemorrhagic events was 1.0% in patients receiving extended VTE prophylaxis and 0.8% in those who did not. The incidence of postdischarge VTE events was 5.2% in patients receiving extended VTE prophylaxis and 2.4% in those who did not.

CONCLUSION: Adherence to guideline-recommended extended VTE prophylaxis in high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal cancer operations is low. The higher rate of VTE in the prophylaxis group may suggest we captured some therapeutic anticoagulation, which would mean the actual rate of thromboprophylaxis is lower than reported herein.

PMID:37800390 | DOI:10.1002/jso.27473

17:12

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Two Cases of Catheter-Related Venous Thrombosis Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants(DOAC)

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2023 Sep;50(9):993-996.

ABSTRACT

The implantation of a totally implantable central venous(CV)access port is considered a risk factor for venous thromboembolism( VTE). In the treatment of catheter-related thrombosis(CRT), both European and American guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy with catheters in place. We experienced 2 cases of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT)after the implantation of CV access ports through the left subclavian vein for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected breast cancer. Both patients were successfully treated with direct oral anticoagulants(DOAC) while the port remained in place with a careful follow-up that included monitoring of serum D-dimer levels. The administration of DOAC to CRT that develops in patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer may be relatively safe, with a low potential for adverse events such as bleeding.

PMID:37800295

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Artificial intelligence in the prediction of venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and pooled analysis

Eur J Haematol. 2023 Oct 4. doi: 10.1111/ejh.14110. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with brain cancer have been excluded or were underrepresented in studies on the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE), mainly due to the fear of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide data on the risk of ICH, recurrent VTE, and major bleeding in patients with active brain cancer.

METHODS: This was a multicenter, international cohort study at participating sites of the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad Tromboembólica Registry. Patients included in this study were classified as having known active brain cancer, active nonbrain cancer, or without active cancer. ICH at 3 months was the primary study outcome.

RESULTS: Overall, 98,377 patients with VTE were included: 616 with active brain cancer, 16,807 with active nonbrain cancer, and 80,954 without active cancer. At 3 months follow-up, ICH occurred in 2.8%, 0.3%, and 0.2% of the patients, respectively, and was fatal in 1.3%, 0.2%, and 0.1%, respectively. Both rates of major bleeding (3.7% vs 3.2% vs 1.5%, respectively) and recurrent VTE (3.9% vs 3.4% vs 1.1%, respectively) were higher in patients with brain or nonbrain cancer than in patients without cancer. Glioblastomas were associated with a numerically higher risk of ICH, fatal ICH, and recurrent VTE than other brain tumors.

CONCLUSION: In patients with VTE, active brain cancer was associated with a higher risk of ICH or fatal ICH than nonbrain or no active cancer. Further studies are needed to assess the value of different treatment approaches in patients with brain cancer and VTE.

PMID:37810416 | PMC:PMC10551887 | DOI:10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102172

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Retracted: Effect Evaluation of Bronchial Artery Embolization for Hemoptysis of Lung Cancer and Changes in Serum Tumor Markers and miR-34 Levels

Contrast Media Mol Imaging. 2023 Sep 27;2023:9839816. doi: 10.1155/2023/9839816. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/2471039.].

PMID:37810512 | PMC:PMC10551532 | DOI:10.1155/2023/9839816

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Persistent underuse of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing major abdominal cancer operations

J Surg Oncol. 2023 Oct 6. doi: 10.1002/jso.27473. Online ahead of print.

 

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Individuals with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), a serious complication. There is no established clinical model for predicting VTE in the Chinese population. We develop a new risk assessment model (RAM) for IMiD-associated VTE in Chinese MM patients.

METHODS: We retrospectively selected 1334 consecutive MM patients receiving IMiDs from 16 medical centers in China and classified them randomly into the derivation and validation cohorts. A multivariate Cox regression model was used for analysis.

RESULTS: The overall incidence of IMiD-related VTE in Chinese MM patients was 6.1%. Independent predictive factors of VTE (diabetes, ECOG performance status, erythropoietin-stimulating agent use, dexamethasone use, and VTE history or family history of thrombosis) were identified and merged to develop the RAM. The model identified approximately 30% of the patients in each cohort at high risk for VTE. The hazard ratios (HRs) were 6.08 (P < 0.001) and 6.23 (P < 0.001) for the high-risk subcohort and the low-risk subcohort, respectively, within both the derivation and validation cohorts. The RAM achieved satisfactory discrimination with a C statistic of 0.64. The stratification approach of the IMWG guidelines yielded respective HRs of 1.77 (P = 0.053) and 1.81 (P = 0.063). The stratification approach of the SAVED score resulted in HRs of 3.23 (P = 0.248) and 1.65 (P = 0.622), respectively. The IMWG guideline and the SAVED score-based method yielded C statistics of 0.58 and 0.51, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The new RAM outperformed the IMWG guidelines and the SAVED score and could potentially guide the VTE prophylaxis strategy for Chinese MM patients.

PMID:37794471 | PMC:PMC10552366 | DOI:10.1186/s12959-023-00534-y

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Ruptured Baker's cyst presenting with a palpable popliteal mass and crescent sign

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Oct 4;16(10):e257869. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257869.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37793850 | PMC:PMC10551967 | DOI:10.1136/bcr-2023-257869

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

MRI-derived extracellular volume as a biomarker of cancer therapy cardiotoxicity: systematic review and meta-analysis

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Acute venous thromboembolism in patients with brain cancer: clinical course

Res Pract Thromb Haemost. 2023 Aug 20;7(6):102172. doi: 10.1016/j.rpth.2023.102172. eCollection 2023 Aug.

 

ABSTRACT

AIMS: With improved diagnosis and treatments, a greater percentage of breast cancer patients are achieving long-term survival. Consequently, long-term cardiotoxicity secondary to chemotherapy has become more prevalent, warranting improved cardiac surveillance. We evaluated changes in left atrial (LA) strain in breast cancer patients immediately post anthracycline (AC) therapy to assess its utility as a marker of diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 128 consecutive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography prior to and immediately post AC treatment. Traditional left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters and LA volumes were evaluated; additionally, LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) and LA phasic strain were measured.

RESULTS: All patients had normal LV ejection fraction (>53%) post AC, though LV GLS was significantly reduced. Peak E and é velocities were reduced post AC, with no change in LA volumes. LA reservoir strain (LASRES 34.8% vs 31.5%, p<0.001)CD 17.2% vs 14.4%, p<0.001)RES from baseline) (32%) compared to alteration in systolic function (≥15% reduction in LV GLS) (23%).

CONCLUSIONS: LA strain is a promising marker of early diastolic dysfunction. We demonstrate its potential utility in surveillance of breast cancer patients treated with AC.

PMID:37806911 | DOI:10.1016/j.hlc.2023.06.864

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Computer image analysis with artificial intelligence: a practical introduction to convolutional neural networks for medical professionals

Postgrad Med J. 2023 Oct 4:qgad095. doi: 10.1093/postmj/qgad095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Artificial intelligence tools, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are transforming healthcare by enhancing predictive, diagnostic, and decision-making capabilities. This review provides an accessible and practical explanation of CNNs for clinicians and highlights their relevance in medical image analysis. CNNs have shown themselves to be exceptionally useful in computer vision, a field that enables machines to 'see' and interpret visual data. Understanding how these models work can help clinicians leverage their full potential, especially as artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate into healthcare. CNNs have already demonstrated their efficacy in diverse medical fields, including radiology, histopathology, and medical photography. In radiology, CNNs have been used to automate the assessment of conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and rectal cancer. In histopathology, CNNs have been used to assess and classify colorectal polyps, gastric epithelial tumours, as well as assist in the assessment of multiple malignancies. In medical photography, CNNs have been used to assess retinal diseases and skin conditions, and to detect gastric and colorectal polyps during endoscopic procedures. In surgical laparoscopy, they may provide intraoperative assistance to surgeons, helping interpret surgical anatomy and demonstrate safe dissection zones. The integration of CNNs into medical image analysis promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflow efficiency, and expand access to expert-level image analysis, contributing to the ultimate goal of delivering further improvements in patient and healthcare outcomes.

PMID:37794609 | DOI:10.1093/postmj/qgad095

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Development and validation of a new risk assessment model for immunomodulatory drug-associated venous thrombosis among Chinese patients with multiple myeloma

Thromb J. 2023 Oct 4;21(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s12959-023-00534-y.

 

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Craniopharyngiomas are extremely rare (incidence rate of 1.34 per million). Due to its proximity to the sellar/suprasellar prefrontal regions region, cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and adverse endocrinological outcomes are common. Further, surgery and radiotherapy can further impact functioning. Currently, there is no parsimonious cognitive profile of adult patients following interventions. This case highlights the role of neuropsychological evaluations in monitoring global psychological functioning and frontal behavioral syndrome in an adult with recurrent craniopharyngioma.

METHOD: The patient is a 39-year-old Black female first evaluated as an inpatient prior to resection surgery. She was evaluated on four additional times post-surgically. At the most recent evaluation, she and her family reported memory problems, apathy, and gait instability. Complicating factors included hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, hypotension, COVID-19, and recurrent tachycardia, with inconsistent adherence to treatment recommendations.

RESULTS: She displayed global cognitive deficits two years post-surgery, particularly in language and memory. Neurobehaviorally, she exhibited pervasive signs of severe frontal lobe syndrome, including, abulia, hypophonic and dysarthric speech, psychomotor retardation, bradyphrenia, and anosognosia.

CONCLUSION: Neuropsychological evaluations remain critical in monitoring the patient's neurocognitive status and provide valuable insights into treatment planning and need for additional support and care to optimize patients' quality of life in the context of significant cognitive disability.

PMID:37807245 | DOI:10.1093/arclin/acad067.136

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Alterations in Left Atrial Strain in Breast Cancer Patients Immediately Post Anthracycline Exposure

Heart Lung Circ. 2023 Oct 6:S1443-9506(23)04291-9. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.06.864. Online ahead of print.

 

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Therapy for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes long-term anticoagulation, which may have substantial impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients. We assessed patient-reported outcomes to characterize the HRQL associated with VTE treatment and to begin to examine those HRQL elements impacting anticoagulation adherence (AA).

METHODS: Participants were adult cancer patients with confirmed symptomatic acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Patients were excluded if there was an indication for anticoagulation other than VTE, ECOG performance status >3, or life expectancy < 3 months. Participants were assessed with a self-reported adherence tool. HRQL was measured with a 6-domain questionnaire using a seven-point Likert scale. Evaluations were performed at 30 days and 3 months after enrollment. For the primary objective, an overall adherence rate was calculated at each time point of evaluation. For the HRQL domains, non-parametric testing was used to compare results between subgroups.

RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled. AA and HRQL at 30 days and 3 months were assessed in 50 and 36 participants, respectively. At 30 days the AA rate was 90%, and at 3 months it was 83%. In regard to HRQL, patients suffered frequent and moderate-severe distress in the domains of emotional and physical symptoms, sleep disturbance, and limitations to physical activity. An association between emotional or physical distress and AA was observed.

CONCLUSION: Patients with VTE suffer a substantial impairment of their HRQL. Increased emotional distress correlated with better long-term AA. These results can be used to inform additional research aimed at developing novel strategies to improve AA.

PMID:37801086 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-023-08073-y

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

A - 119 A Case Study: the Cognitive Functioning of an Adult Patient with Recurrent Craniopharyngiomas

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2023 Oct 20;38(7):1291. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acad067.136.

 

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in patients with cancer. Data on the role of natural inhibitors of coagulation for occurrence of cancerassociated VTE are limited, thus, we investigated the association of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) with risk of VTE and all-cause mortality in patients with cancer. Total TFPI antigen levels were measured with a commercially available ELISA in patients included in the Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study, a prospective observational cohort study with the primary outcome VTE. Competing risk analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to explore the association of TFPI levels with VTE and all-cause mortality. TFPI was analyzed in 898 patients (median age: 62 years [interquartile range, IQR: 53-68]; 407 [45%] women). Sixtyseven patients developed VTE and 387 died (24-month cumulative risk: 7.5% and 42.1%, respectively). Patients had median TFPI levels at study inclusion of 56.4ng/mL (IQR: 45.7-70.0), with highest levels in tumor types known to have a high risk of VTE (gastroesophageal-, pancreatic and brain-cancer: 62.0ng/mL [IQR: 52.0-75.0]). In multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, cancer type and stage, TFPI levels were associated with VTE risk (SHR per doubling: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.03-2.57). When patients with high and intermediate/low VTE risk were analyzed separately, the association remained independently associated in the high risk group only (SHR: 2.63, 95%CI: 1.40-4.94). TFPI levels were independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 2.36, 95%CI: 1.85-3.00). In cancer patients increased TFPI levels are associated with VTE risk, specifically in patients with high risk tumor types, and with all-cause mortality.

PMID:37822244 | DOI:10.3324/haematol.2023.283581

17:11

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Arterial and Venous Thromboembolic Complications in 832 Patients with BCR-ABL-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Hamostaseologie. 2023 Oct 9. doi: 10.1055/a-2159-8767. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Arterial (ATE) and venous (VTE) thromboembolic complications are common causes of morbidity and mortality in BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, there are few studies that include all MPN subtypes and focus on both MPN-associated ATE and VTE. In our single-center retrospective study of 832 MPN patients, a total of 180 first thromboembolic events occurred during a median follow-up of 6.6 years (range: 0-37.6 years), of which 105 were VTE and 75 were ATE. The probability of a vascular event at the end of the follow-up period was 36.2%, and the incidence rate for all first ATE/VTE was 2.43% patient/year. The most frequent VTE localizations were deep vein thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism (incidence rate: 0.59% patient/year), while strokes were the most frequent ATE with an incidence rate of 0.32% patient/year. When comparing the group of patients with ATE/VTE (n = 180) and the group without such an event (n = 652) using multivariate Cox regression analyses, patients with polycythemia vera (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.660; [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.206, 2.286]) had a significantly higher risk of a thromboembolic event than the other MPN subtypes. In contrast, patients with a CALR mutation had a significantly lower risk of thromboembolism compared with JAK2-mutated MPN patients (HR: 0.346; [95% CI: 0.172, 0.699]). In summary, a high incidence of MPN-associated VTE and ATE was observed in our retrospective study. While PV patients or generally JAK2-mutated MPN patients had a significantly increased risk of such vascular events, this risk was reduced in CALR-mutated MPN patients.

PMID:37813367 | DOI:10.1055/a-2159-8767

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Measurement of adherence and health-related quality of life during anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE): a multicenter quantitative study

Support Care Cancer. 2023 Oct 6;31(10):615. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08073-y.

 

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a main contributor to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Biomarkers with the potential to predict cancer-associated VTE are continually sought. Of these, markers of thrombin generation present a likely option. The present systematic review examines the ability of three widely used biomarkers of thrombin generation: prothrombin fragment 1.2 (F1.2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and ex vivo thrombin generation, to predict VTE in both solid and hematologic adult cancer patients. Relevant studies were identified in the PubMed and Embase databases, and the review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Each study was evaluated using the quality assessment tool from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The review protocol was published on PROSPERO with identifier CRD42022362339. In total, 24 papers were included in the review: 11 reporting data on F1.2, 9 on TAT, and 12 on ex vivo thrombin generation. The quality ratings of the included studies varied from good (n = 13), fair (n = 8), to poor (n = 3) with a high heterogenicity. However, F1.2, TAT complex, and ex vivo thrombin generation were all found to be associated with the development of VTE. This association was most pronounced for F1.2. Furthermore, the determination of F1.2 was able to improve the precision of several established risk assessment scores. In conclusion, markers of thrombin generation were found to be elevated in cancer patients with VTE, and particularly, F1.2 was found to be a promising predictor of cancer-associated VTE.

PMID:37813372 | DOI:10.1055/s-0043-1775856

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Episodic Cocaine Use as a Cause of Venous Thromboembolism and Acute Liver Injury

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Risk factors for bleeding in cancer patients treated with conventional dose followed by low dose apixaban for venous thromboembolism

Thromb Haemost. 2023 Oct 10. doi: 10.1055/a-2188-8773. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Incidence of and risk factors for bleeding in cancer patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) treated with apixaban are poorly described.

METHODS: We analyzed data from the prospective CAP study where 298 cancer patients with any type of VTE received 5 mg apixaban twice daily for 6 months, and then 2.5 mg apixaban twice daily for 30 months. For most analyses major bleedings and clinically relevant non-major bleedings were merged to "clinically relevant bleedings". Risk factors were estimated by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS: The incidence of clinically relevant bleedings was 38% per person year during the first 6 months of treatment, 21% per person year from 7 to 12 months, and between 4% and 8% per person year from 13 to 36 months. Clinically relevant bleedings were associated with age above 74 years (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.1), BMI below 21.7 (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.8), and hemoglobin at baseline below 10.5 for females (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.3) and 11.1 for males (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.4) during the first 6 months. Gastrointestinal (GI) or urogenital cancer were not associated with clinically relevant bleedings compared with other cancers. Among patients with luminal GI-cancer, non-resected cancer had increased risk of bleeding (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.0-11.6) compared with resected GI-cancer.

CONCLUSION: It was very few bleedings while patients were on low-dose apixaban. Factors associated with bleeding in patients treated with full-dose apixaban were high age, low BMI, and low hemoglobin, and probably non-resected luminal GI-cancer.

PMID:37816388 | DOI:10.1055/a-2188-8773

17:11

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor is associated with risk of venous thromboembolism and all-cause mortality in patients with cancer

Haematologica. 2023 Oct 12. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283581. Online ahead of print.

 

BACKGROUND: The optimal therapy of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients with renal insufficiency (RI) is unknown. Current guidelines recommend to use low-molecular-weight heparin over direct oral anticoagulants to treat VTE in cancer patients at high-risk for bleeding.

METHODS: We used the RIETE registry to compare the 6-month incidence rates of: 1) VTE recurrences vs. major bleeding; and 2) fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) vs. fatal bleeding in 3 subgroups (those with mild, moderate, or severe RI) of cancer patients receiving enoxaparin monotherapy.

RESULTS: From January 2009 through June 2022, 2,844 patients with RI received enoxaparin for ≥6 months: 1,432 (50%) had mild, 1,168 (41%) moderate, and 244 (8.6%) had severe RI. Overall, 68%, 62% and 12% respectively, received the recommended doses. Among patients with mild RI, the rates of VTE recurrences vs. major bleeding (4.6% vs. 5.4%) and fatal PE vs. fatal bleeding (1.3% vs. 1.2%) were similar. Among patients with moderate RI, VTE recurrences were half as common as major bleeding (3.1% vs. 6.3%), but fatal PE and fatal bleeding were close (1.8% vs. 1.2%). Among patients with severe RI, VTE recurrences were 3-fold less common than major bleeding (4.1% vs. 13%), but fatal PE was 3-fold more frequent than fatal bleeding (2.5% vs. 0.8%). During the first 10 days, fatal PE was 5-fold more common than fatal bleeding (2.1% vs. 0.4%).

CONCLUSIONS: Among cancer patients with severe RI, fatal PE was 5-fold more common than fatal bleeding. The recommended doses of enoxaparin in these patients should be revisited.

PMID:37832588 | DOI:10.1055/a-2191-7510

17:11

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

In vivo evaluation of the pharmacokinetic interactions between almonertinib and rivaroxaban, almonertinib and apixaban

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Thrombin Generation Markers as Predictors of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review

Semin Thromb Hemost. 2023 Oct 9. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1775856. Online ahead of print.

 

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies suggest that quality improvement initiatives focused on hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism have a positive impact on prescribing rates of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, especially those that incorporate computerized changes.

METHODS: We conducted a quality improvement project to determine whether education and computerized prescriber order entry system changes affect venous thromboembolism prophylaxis compliance rates in hospitalized medical patients at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Between 1 January 2021 and 31 January 2023, 37,739 non-surgical, adult patient encounters with a length of stay > 48 h were analyzed in our study. From 18 December 2021 to 8 March 2022, provider education was delivered to the three largest admitting services, and computerized prescriber order entry changes were implemented incorporating a mandatory requirement to either order venous thromboembolism prophylaxis or document a contraindication for all patients at moderate venous thromboembolism risk.

RESULTS: Monthly venous thromboembolism prophylaxis compliance rates, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services VTE-1 metric, increased from a mean of 74% to 93% after the interventions. This change was driven primarily by an increased utilization of mechanical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis from 37% to 53%.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that a multi-faceted intervention incorporating provider education and computerized prescriber order entry system changes can significantly increase venous thromboembolism prophylaxis compliance rates in cancer patients.

PMID:37801550 | DOI:10.1177/10781552231205779

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Influencing factors of anthracycline-induced subclinical cardiotoxicity in acute leukemia patients

17:11

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Chronic inflammatory diseases increase the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome: A prospective cohort study

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Impact of venous thromboembolism on the mortality in patients with cancer: a population-based cohort study

Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2023 Sep 28;34:100739. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100739. eCollection 2023 Nov.

 

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Limited data exist on the risk of venous and arterial thromboembolisms (VTE and ATE) in patients receiving cetuximab plus chemotherapy. We aimed to determine the thromboembolic risk of patients with recurrent/metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone.

METHODS: This population-based study used nationwide claims data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of South Korea from 2013 to 2020. Patients with recurrent/metastatic CRC treated with first-line oxaliplatin- or irinotecan-based doublets with or without cetuximab and no secondary prevention for VTE and ATE were included. Primary outcomes were the occurrence of any thromboembolic events, VTE, and ATE, which were determined using the cumulative incidence method incorporating death as a competing event.

RESULTS: We identified 19,723 patients (cetuximab plus chemotherapy, N = 7630; chemotherapy alone, N = 12,093). The cumulative incidence of any thromboembolic events in patients with cetuximab plus chemotherapy was significantly higher than in those receiving chemotherapy alone (6-month, 5.62 % vs. 3.58 %, P < 0.0001). The rates of VTE (6-month, 5.11 % vs. 3.28 %, P < 0.0001) and ATE (6-month, 0.53 % vs. 0.32 %, P = 0.0218) were also higher in patients receiving cetuximab plus chemotherapy. In multivariable analysis, cetuximab plus chemotherapy was independently associated with developing any thromboembolic events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.42-1.87), VTE (HR, 1.62; 95 % CI, 1.40-1.87), and ATE (HR, 1.77; 95 % CI, 1.16-2.71).

CONCLUSIONS: Cetuximab with irinotecan- or oxaliplatin-based doublet chemotherapy was associated with an increased risk of any thromboembolic events, VTE, and ATE; further studies are warranted to examine the underlying mechanisms.

PMID:37804738 | DOI:10.1016/j.thromres.2023.10.005

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

A multifaceted quality improvement intervention on venous thromboembolism prophylaxis compliance in hospitalized medical patients at a comprehensive cancer center

J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2023 Oct 6:10781552231205779. doi: 10.1177/10781552231205779. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

 

ABSTRACT

Direct oral anticoagulants against activated factor X and thrombin were the last milestone in thrombosis treatment. Step by step, they replaced antivitamin K and heparins in most of their therapeutic indications. As effective as the previous anticoagulant, the decreased but persistent risk of bleeding while using direct oral anticoagulants has created space for new therapeutics aiming to provide the same efficacy with better safety. On this basis, drug targeting factor XI emerged as an option. In particular, cancer patients might be one of the populations that will most benefit from this technical advance. In this review, after a brief presentation of the different factor IX inhibitors, we explore the potential benefit of this new treatment for cancer patients.

PMID:37833881 | PMC:PMC10572808 | DOI:10.3390/ijms241914433

17:10

PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Granulomatous peritoneal disease associated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for ampullary adenocarcinoma: a case report

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2023 Jul-Sep;86(3):499-501. doi: 10.51821/86.3.11323.

ABSTRACT

Adenocarcinomas of the ampulla of Vater represent only 0.2% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Due to the low incidence no large clinical trials evaluating efficacy of treatments are available. Adjuvant therapy is often administered in patients with stage IB or higher. Oxaliplatin is considered as an effective and well tolerated therapeutic option. Adverse events associated with this therapy include cardio-, neuro-, nephrotoxicity and myelosuppression. Previously granulomatous pulmonary and liver manifestations have been described in oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. In this report peritoneal manifestation of granulomatous disease associated with oxaliplatin is described for the first time. Sarcoidlike reactions may be misinterpreted as tumour progression or metastatic disease, and may consequently result in over-treatment.

PMID:37814569 | DOI:10.51821/86.3.11323

17:10

PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Causal effect of atrial fibrillation on pulmonary embolism: a mendelian randomization study

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2023 Oct 15. doi: 10.1007/s11239-023-02903-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can increase thrombosis, especially arterial thrombosis, and some studies show that AF patients have a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE). The objective of our study is to investigate whether there is a direct causal effect of AF on PE. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was utilized to determine whether there is a causal relationship between AF and PE. European population-based consortia provided statistical data on the associations between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and relevant traits. The AF dataset was obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) comprising 60,620 cases and 970,216 controls, while a GWAS of 1846 cases and 461,164 controls identified genetic variations associated with PE. Estimation of the causal effect was mainly performed using the random effects inverse-variance weighted method (IVW). Additionally, other tests such as MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, Cochran's Q test, "Leave-one-out," and funnel plots were conducted to assess the extent of pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Using 70 SNPs, there was no evidence to suggest an association between genetically predicted AF and risk of PE with multiplicative random-effects IVW MR analysis (odds ratio = 1.0003, 95% confidence interval: 0.9998-1.0008, P = 0.20). A null association was also observed in other methods. MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO respectively showed no evidence of directional (intercept, - 2.25; P = 0.94) and horizontal(P-value in the global heterogeneity test = 0.99) pleiotropic effect across the genetic variants. No substantial evidence was found to support the causal role of AF in the development of PE. Causal effect of atrial fibrillation on pulmonary embolism: a Mendelian randomization study. AF atrial fibrillation, PE pulmonary embolism, GWAS genome-wide association studies, SNPs single nucleotide polymorphisms, OR odds ratio, CI confidence interval.

PMID:37839022 | DOI:10.1007/s11239-023-02903-w

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Increased risk of venous and arterial thromboembolism in patients with colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab-based combination chemotherapy: A population-based study in Korea

Thromb Res. 2023 Oct 4;231:50-57. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.10.005. Online ahead of print.

 

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Age is a major risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), yet patients aged ≥90 years are under-represented in clinical trials of anticoagulant therapy. The objectives were to describe and compare patient clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes (VTE recurrence, bleeding, and mortality) during the first 3 months of anticoagulation between VTE patients aged ≥90 years and those aged <90

METHODS: We analyzed data from the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbὀlica (RIETE), an ongoing global observational registry of patients with objectively confirmed acute VTE.

RESULTS: From January 2001 to October 2022, 96,701 patients were registered in RIETE, of whom 3262 (3.4%) were aged ≥90 years. Patients aged ≥90 years were less likely to be men, and to have experienced cancer or recent surgery, but more likely to manifest immobility, chronic heart failure, anemia, renal insufficiency, or dementia than those aged <90

CONCLUSIONS: In patients aged ≥90 years, the difference in the outcome of anticoagulant treatment depending on the initial presentation of VTE could suggest a need for different management approaches. Clinical trials evaluating the optimal duration of anticoagulation according to initial VTE presentation are warranted to limit excess deaths in this particular population.

PMID:37814983 | DOI:10.1111/jgs.18626

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Measurement of adherence and health-related quality of life during anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE): a multicenter quantitative study

Support Care Cancer. 2023 Oct 6;31(10):615. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-08073-y.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Therapy for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes long-term anticoagulation, which may have substantial impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients. We assessed patient-reported outcomes to characterize the HRQL associated with VTE treatment and to begin to examine those HRQL elements impacting anticoagulation adherence (AA).

METHODS: Participants were adult cancer patients with confirmed symptomatic acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Patients were excluded if there was an indication for anticoagulation other than VTE, ECOG performance status >3, or life expectancy < 3 months. Participants were assessed with a self-reported adherence tool. HRQL was measured with a 6-domain questionnaire using a seven-point Likert scale. Evaluations were performed at 30 days and 3 months after enrollment. For the primary objective, an overall adherence rate was calculated at each time point of evaluation. For the HRQL domains, non-parametric testing was used to compare results between subgroups.

RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled. AA and HRQL at 30 days and 3 months were assessed in 50 and 36 participants, respectively. At 30 days the AA rate was 90%, and at 3 months it was 83%. In regard to HRQL, patients suffered frequent and moderate-severe distress in the domains of emotional and physical symptoms, sleep disturbance, and limitations to physical activity. An association between emotional or physical distress and AA was observed.

CONCLUSION: Patients with VTE suffer a substantial impairment of their HRQL. Increased emotional distress correlated with better long-term AA. These results can be used to inform additional research aimed at developing novel strategies to improve AA.

PMID:37801086 | DOI:10.1007/s00520-023-08073-y

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor is associated with risk of venous thromboembolism and all-cause mortality in patients with cancer

Haematologica. 2023 Oct 12. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283581. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

 

ABSTRACT

D-dimer, a soluble fibrin degradation product that originates from plasmin-induced degradation of cross-linked fibrin, is an important biomarker of coagulation activation and secondary fibrinolysis that is routinely used to rule out venous thromboembolism (VTE), to evaluate the risk of VTE recurrence as well as the optimal duration of anticoagulant therapy. Besides VTE, D-dimer may be high due to physiologic conditions, including aging, pregnancy and strenuous physical activity. In addition, several disorders have been associated with increased D-dimer levels, spanning from disseminated intravascular coagulation to infectious diseases and cancers. Thus, it is far from unusual for hematologists to have to deal with ambulatory individuals presenting with increased Ddimer without signs or symptoms of thrombus formation. To the management of these cases by the hematologist is dedicated this narrative review.

PMID:37881856 | DOI:10.3324/haematol.2023.283966

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Heterogeneous distributions in clinical events preceding anticoagulant treatment nonpersistence in patients with venous thromboembolism stratified by active cancer: A nationwide cohort study

Cancer Med. 2023 Oct 26. doi: 10.1002/cam4.6626. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonpersistence in anticoagulation therapy is common and associated with undesirable clinical outcomes in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS: We investigated preceding clinical events of treatment nonpersistence (e.g., switching, discontinuing, or restarting) in VTE patients with and without active cancer using Korean claims database.

RESULTS: Clinically significant events including thromboembolic events, hepatic function change and surgery preceded treatment nonpersistence, but heterogeneous distributions of clinical events were observed in the presence of active cancer. Patients with active cancer had a low rate of clinical events preceding treatment nonpersistence, and new active cancer diagnosis in the nonactive cancer group was most common before the switch to parenteral anticoagulants from warfarin or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that clinically significant events can precede treatment nonpersistence and largely paralleled current guidelines for patients with VTE, whereas heterogeneous distributions of clinical events were observed in the presence of active cancer.

PMID:37882319 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.6626

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Anticoagulation and venous thromboembolism in patients aged 90 years and older: Data from the RIETE registry

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023 Oct 10. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18626. Online ahead of print.

 

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To provide procedure-specific estimates of the risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) and major bleeding, in the absence of thromboprophylaxis, following gynecologic cancer surgery.

DATA SOURCES: We conducted comprehensive searches on Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for observational studies. We also reviewed reference lists of eligible studies and review articles. We performed separate searches for randomized trials addressing effects of thromboprophylaxis and conducted a web-based survey on thromboprophylaxis practice.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational studies enrolling ≥50 adult patients undergoing gynecologic cancer surgery procedures reporting absolute incidence for at least one of the following: symptomatic pulmonary embolism, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, symptomatic VTE, bleeding requiring reintervention (including re-exploration and angioembolization), bleeding leading to transfusion or post-operative hemoglobin <70

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility, performed data extraction, and evaluated risk of bias of eligible articles. We adjusted the reported estimates for thromboprophylaxis and length of follow-up and used the median value from studies to determine cumulative incidence at 4 weeks post-surgery stratified by patient VTE risk factors, and used the GRADE approach to rate evidence certainty.

RESULTS: We included 188 studies (398,167 patients) reporting on 37 gynecologic cancer surgery procedures. The evidence certainty was generally low to very low. Median symptomatic VTE risk (in the absence of prophylaxis) was <1%2.0% in 13 of 37 (35%). The risks of VTE varied from 0.1% in low VTE risk patients undergoing cervical conization to 33.5% in high VTE risk patients undergoing pelvic exenteration. Estimates of bleeding requiring reintervention varied from <0.1%<1%

CONCLUSIONS: VTE reduction with thromboprophylaxis likely outweighs increase in bleeding requiring reintervention in many gynecologic cancer procedures (e.g., open surgery for ovarian cancer and pelvic exenteration). In some procedures (e.g., laparoscopic total hysterectomy without lymphadenectomy), thromboembolism and bleeding risks are similar, and decisions depend on individual risk prediction and values and preferences regarding VTE and bleeding.

PMID:37827272 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.006

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Computer image analysis with artificial intelligence: a practical introduction to convolutional neural networks for medical professionals

Postgrad Med J. 2023 Oct 4:qgad095. doi: 10.1093/postmj/qgad095. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Artificial intelligence tools, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are transforming healthcare by enhancing predictive, diagnostic, and decision-making capabilities. This review provides an accessible and practical explanation of CNNs for clinicians and highlights their relevance in medical image analysis. CNNs have shown themselves to be exceptionally useful in computer vision, a field that enables machines to 'see' and interpret visual data. Understanding how these models work can help clinicians leverage their full potential, especially as artificial intelligence continues to evolve and integrate into healthcare. CNNs have already demonstrated their efficacy in diverse medical fields, including radiology, histopathology, and medical photography. In radiology, CNNs have been used to automate the assessment of conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and rectal cancer. In histopathology, CNNs have been used to assess and classify colorectal polyps, gastric epithelial tumours, as well as assist in the assessment of multiple malignancies. In medical photography, CNNs have been used to assess retinal diseases and skin conditions, and to detect gastric and colorectal polyps during endoscopic procedures. In surgical laparoscopy, they may provide intraoperative assistance to surgeons, helping interpret surgical anatomy and demonstrate safe dissection zones. The integration of CNNs into medical image analysis promises to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline workflow efficiency, and expand access to expert-level image analysis, contributing to the ultimate goal of delivering further improvements in patient and healthcare outcomes.

PMID:37794609 | DOI:10.1093/postmj/qgad095

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

How we manage a high D-dimer

Haematologica. 2023 Oct 26. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283966. Online ahead of print.

 

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Craniopharyngiomas are extremely rare (incidence rate of 1.34 per million). Due to its proximity to the sellar/suprasellar prefrontal regions region, cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and adverse endocrinological outcomes are common. Further, surgery and radiotherapy can further impact functioning. Currently, there is no parsimonious cognitive profile of adult patients following interventions. This case highlights the role of neuropsychological evaluations in monitoring global psychological functioning and frontal behavioral syndrome in an adult with recurrent craniopharyngioma.

METHOD: The patient is a 39-year-old Black female first evaluated as an inpatient prior to resection surgery. She was evaluated on four additional times post-surgically. At the most recent evaluation, she and her family reported memory problems, apathy, and gait instability. Complicating factors included hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary embolism, hypotension, COVID-19, and recurrent tachycardia, with inconsistent adherence to treatment recommendations.

RESULTS: She displayed global cognitive deficits two years post-surgery, particularly in language and memory. Neurobehaviorally, she exhibited pervasive signs of severe frontal lobe syndrome, including, abulia, hypophonic and dysarthric speech, psychomotor retardation, bradyphrenia, and anosognosia.

CONCLUSION: Neuropsychological evaluations remain critical in monitoring the patient's neurocognitive status and provide valuable insights into treatment planning and need for additional support and care to optimize patients' quality of life in the context of significant cognitive disability.

PMID:37807245 | DOI:10.1093/arclin/acad067.136

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Two Cases of Catheter-Related Venous Thrombosis Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants(DOAC)

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2023 Sep;50(9):993-996.

ABSTRACT

The implantation of a totally implantable central venous(CV)access port is considered a risk factor for venous thromboembolism( VTE). In the treatment of catheter-related thrombosis(CRT), both European and American guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy with catheters in place. We experienced 2 cases of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT)after the implantation of CV access ports through the left subclavian vein for adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with resected breast cancer. Both patients were successfully treated with direct oral anticoagulants(DOAC) while the port remained in place with a careful follow-up that included monitoring of serum D-dimer levels. The administration of DOAC to CRT that develops in patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer may be relatively safe, with a low potential for adverse events such as bleeding.

PMID:37800295

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Risk of Thrombosis and Bleeding in Gynecologic Cancer Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023 Oct 10:S0002-9378(23)00735-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.006. Online ahead of print.

 

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The prediction of complications before gastric surgery is of utmost importance in shared decision making and proper counseling of the patient in order to minimize postoperative complications. Our aim was to evaluate the predictive validity of American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) risk calculator in gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy.

METHODS: Preoperative assessment data of 432 patients were retrospectively reviewed and manually entered into the calculator. The accuracy of the calculator was evaluated using Pearson's chi-squared test, C-statistic, Brier score, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test.

RESULTS: The lowest Brier scores were observed in urinary tract infection, renal failure, venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, and cardiac complications. Best results were obtained for predicting sepsis, discharge to rehabilitation facility, and death (low Brier scores, C-statistic >.7, and Hosmer-Lemeshow P > .05).

CONCLUSION: The calculator had a strong performance in predicting sepsis, discharge to the rehabilitation facility, and death. However, it performed poor in predicting the most commonly observed events (any or serious complication and surgical site infection).

PMID:37823864 | DOI:10.1177/00031348231206581

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

Evaluating the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors on venous thromboembolism in non-small cell lung cancer patients

Expert Rev Hematol. 2023 Oct 26:1-8. doi: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2276209. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy is one of the main methods of treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to explore the risk factors of VTE and evaluate the effect of ICIs on VTE in patients with NSCLC.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with NSCLC who were divided into VTE group and without VTE (Non-VTE) group. We identified the risk factors of VTE in NSCLC patients and evaluated the effect of ICIs on VTE in NSCLC patients.

RESULTS: We found that clinical stage III-IV (P = 0.015) and Khorana score (KS) ≥ 2 (P = 0.047) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of VTE in NSCLC, and treatment with ICIs reduced the risk of VTE occurrence (P = 0.028). There were no differences of survival rates in the 12-month (P = 0.449), 24-month (P = 0.412), or 36-month (P = 0.315) between the VTE and non-VTE groups. History of anti-angiogenic therapy (P = 0.033) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = 0.046) were independent risk factors for VTE in NSCLC patients who were treated with ICIs.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that we should strengthen anticoagulant therapy when using ICIs for NSCLC patients with a history of anti-angiogenic therapy and COPD.

PMID:37883026 | DOI:10.1080/17474086.2023.2276209

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PubMed articles on: Cancer & VTE/PE

A - 119 A Case Study: the Cognitive Functioning of an Adult Patient with Recurrent Craniopharyngiomas

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2023 Oct 20;38(7):1291. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acad067.136.