Primary ambulatory thromboprophylaxis in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving chemotherapy: hope or hype?

Support Care Cancer. 2022 Oct;30(10):8511-8517. doi: 10.1007/s00520-022-07138-8. Epub 2022 May 17.

Abstract

Thrombosis is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients. Patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) have a very high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Even though primary ambulatory thromboprophylaxis (PATP) could decrease this risk, there are uncertain issues with regard to the choice and dose of anticoagulants, duration of anticoagulant therapy, and patient selection criteria. In addition, the current practice guidelines on PATP in PC patients are equivocal. This review critically appraises the evidence on the use of PATP in PC patients receiving chemotherapy.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Pancreatic cancer; Primary ambulatory thromboprophylaxis; Risk scoring systems; Venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / complications
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Thrombosis* / drug therapy
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / drug therapy
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / etiology
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anticoagulants