Venous Thromboembolism Treatment in Cancer Patients
Patients with cancer are 4 to 6.5 times more likely to develop venous thromboembolisms (VTE) than the general population. Additionally, VTE in cancer patients is the 2nd most common cause of cancer related death. Different types of cancers, having a central venous catheter for chemotherapy, and the chemotherapy agents are risk factors for thrombosis in cancer patients. There are two major guidelines that address the use of anticoagulation for cancer related VTE: American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Traditionally, enoxaparin had been the gold standard treatment option for anticoagulation in cancer related VTE. However, this is an injection that patients would have to give to themselves, requiring education on proper technique and handling. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly used for non-cancer related VTE, however, their use for VTE in cancer patients is an important clinical question There have been newer studies to show that DOACs including edoxaban, apixaban, and rivaroxaban, may be safe and effective to be used in cancer related VTE. This presentation will review the primary literature behind the use of the DOACs in cancer patients and identify its place in practice.
Target Audience
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
Learning Objectives
- Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of venous thromboembolisms in cancer patients
- Discuss risk factors for thrombosis in cancer patients
- Compare the anticoagulation recommendations put forth by the American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- Evaluate the literature on the use of direct acting anticoagulants in cancer patients and recognize their place in practice
- Recognize brand/generic names of the anticoagulation agents used in the treatment of VTE
- Identify the different dosage forms of the anticoagulation agents
Additional Information
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Available Credit
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacist
- 1.00 ACPE Pharmacy Technician
- 1.00 General CEU – Attendance