Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Active Cancer

Background/aim: Although direct oral anti - coagulants (DOACs) are as safe and effective as conventional anticoagulants for treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), we have insufficient evidence justifying their use in patients with active cancer. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of DOACs in patients with active cancer.

Patients and methods: To investigate the safety and efficacy of DOACs, we retrospectively extracted 312 consecutive patients with active cancer who were prescribed edoxaban, rivaroxaban or apixaban for VTE.

Results: The most common primary cancer sites were the lung, stomach, colon/rectum, hematology, ovary, and pancreas. Fifty patients (16%) discontinued DOACs due to clinically relevant bleeding; major bleeding events occurred in 18 patients (5.4%). Thrombosis reduced or resolved in 144 of 167 evaluable patients (86%). In particular, pulmonary embolism was reduced or resolved in 46 of 50 patients (92%).

Conclusion: Our findings revealed that DOACs for cancer-associated VTE are as safe and effective as conventional anticoagulation therapy.