Safety of Weight-Adjusted Dosing of LMWH in Clinically Obese Cancer Patients with Venous Thromboembolism

Abstract Background: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Despite this observation, obese patients are under-represented in anticoagulation safety trials. Current guidelines recommend patients with active malignancy and VTE to be treated with long-term low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), but it is unclear whether this practice is safe in obese cancer patients. Objectives: We hypothesized there would be an increased risk of major or clinically significant non-major bleeding in obese cancer patients receiving long-term, actual weight-adjusted LMWH compared to non-obese patients with cancer- associated VTE. Methods: We conducted a single centre retrospective cohort study of obese cancer patients referred to our thrombosis clinic from January 2010 to December 2015. We included all obese cancer patients assessed at the Thrombosis unit who received anticoagulation with LMWH. Obesity was defined as weight above 90 Kg or BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more. The obese patients' data was compared to a non-obese control group of patients with active malignancy treated with LMWH. Major bleeding was defined as a hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L; clinically overt bleeding; bleeding requiring 2 units or more of packed red blood cells; a hemorrhage requiring permanent cessation of anti-coagulation; or any retroperitoneal or intracranial hemorrhage. Diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis was confirmed when compression ultrasound of the lower extremities showed evidence of thrombus in the calf trifurcation or more proximal veins; or calf thrombosis associated with pulmonary embolism (PE). PE was confirmed when the ventilation-perfusion lung showed at least a large mismatched defect or CT pulmonary angiography demonstrated at least one segmental intra-luminal filling defect. Results: In total, 102 obese cancer patients and 81 non-obese cancer patients met our eligibility criteria. In the obese cohort, 43 (42%) were male, median age 64 (24-89), median weight 96.5 kg (67.3-158), and median BMI 33.7 kg/m2 (27.2-57). 90 (88%) patients had a solid tumour. Median dose of LMWH was 18,000 units (10,000 - 30,000): 78 (76%) were prescribed dalteparin and 22 (22%) tinzaparin. Median follow-up was 191 days (3 - 2622). Baseline characteristics of the control group were similar (Table 1). Total bleeding episodes were significantly different in the 2 groups: total bleeding events were 10 (9.8%) in the obese group (4 were under-dosed based on their weight) and 1 in the control group [RR=7.9; 95% CI (1.04 -60.76) p=0.046)]. Major bleeding events occurred in 6 (5.9%) obese and in none of the non-obese patients [RR=10.4; 95% CI (0.59 -181.05) p=0.11)]. Platelet counts were appropriate in all cases but one, where a non-major bleed occurred in an obese patient with a platelet count of 27. Recurrent VTE occurred in 8 (7.8%) obese and 4 control patients. In the obese cohort, 5 of those patients were receiving under-dosed LMWH based on their weight. There was no statistically significant difference regarding VTE recurrence risk in the obese and control groups [RR=1.59; 95% CI (0.50 -5.09) p=0.44)]. Interestingly, 31 of 96 obese patients (31%) with BMI 30 or above weighed less than 90 kg. Conclusions: Our findings differ from the available literature. In the CLOT trial, total and major bleeding episodes in the LMWH group occurred in 14% and 7%, respectively, with VTE recurrence of 9%. In comparison, our results demonstrate total and major bleeding episodes in our obese cancer patients on LMWH of 9.8% and 5.9%, respectively, with VTE recurrence of 7.8%. Total bleeding was statistically significant compared to a non-obese cancer population, however, limitations in sample size and event rate need to be taken into consideration when interpreting these results. Disclosures Kovacs: Daiichi Sankyo Pharma: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding. Lazo-Langner:Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding. Louzada:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria.

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Risk of major bleeding during extended oral anticoagulation in patients with first unprovoked venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-019-1175-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Faizan Khan ◽

Miriam Kimpton ◽

Tobias Tritschler ◽

Grégoire Le Gal ◽

Brian Hutton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Anticoagulant Therapy ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Oral Anticoagulation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Major Bleeding Events

Abstract Background The optimal duration of anticoagulation after a first unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains controversial. Deciding to stop or continue anticoagulant therapy indefinitely after completing 3 to 6 months of initial treatment requires balancing the long-term risk of recurrent VTE if anticoagulation is stopped against the long-term risk of major bleeding if anticoagulation is continued. However, knowledge of the long-term risk for major bleeding events during extended anticoagulation in this patient population is limited. We plan to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the risk for major bleeding events during extended oral anticoagulation in patients with first unprovoked VTE. Methods Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials will be systematically searched with the assistance of an information specialist (from inception to March 1, 2019) to identify randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies reporting major bleeding during extended oral anticoagulation in patients with first unprovoked VTE, who have completed at least 3 months of initial anticoagulant therapy. Study selection, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction will be performed independently by at least two investigators. The number of major bleeding events and person-years of follow-up will be used to calculate the rate (events per 100 person-years) with its 95% confidence interval for each study cohort, during clinically relevant time periods of extended anticoagulant therapy. Results will be pooled using random effect meta-analysis. Discussion The planned systematic review and meta-analysis will provide reliable estimates of the risk for major bleeding events during extended anticoagulation. This information will help inform patient prognosis and assist clinicians with balancing the risks and benefits of treatment to guide management of unprovoked VTE. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42019128597.

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Antithrombotic Treatment and Outcomes of Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in an International Prospective Registry: Results of 2-Year Follow-up

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.592.592 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 592-592

Author(s):

Walter Ageno ◽

Nicoletta Riva ◽

Sam Schulman ◽

Jan Beyer-Westendorf ◽

Soo-Mee Bang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Primary Analysis ◽

Vascular Events ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Cirrhotic Patients

Abstract Background: Little information is available on the long-term clinical outcome of patients with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). We aimed to assess incidence rates of bleeding, recurrence, and mortality in a large prospective cohort of SVT patients after a 2-year follow-up. Methods: Consecutive SVT patients were enrolled in a multicenter international registry, from 2008 to 2012. Information was gathered on baseline characteristics, risk factors and therapeutic strategies. Clinical outcomes (major bleeding; vascular events, defined as venous or arterial thrombosis, and mortality) during follow-up were collected and reviewed by a Central Adjudication Committee. Major bleeding was defined using the ISTH definition plus the need for hospitalization. The primary analysis was performed up to the first adjudicated major bleeding or thrombotic event. Results: 604 patients from 31 centers were enrolled in this study, 21 (3.5%) were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up duration was 2 years (IQR 1-2). Median age was 54 years (range 16-85); 62.6% were males. Most common risk factors were liver cirrhosis in 27.8% of patients and solid cancer in 22.3%. Portal vein was the most common site of thrombosis. 139 patients were not anticoagulated; 175 received parenteral anticoagulants only (median duration 5.8 months, IQR 3-12) and 290 were started on vitamin K antagonists (median duration 24 months, IQR 7-24). According to the primary analysis, 103 events occurred during follow-up: 35 major bleeding events (3.8/100 patient-years [pt-y]; 95%CI, 2.7-5.2), 2 of which were fatal bleeding, and 68 thrombotic events (7.3/100 pt-y; 95%CI 5.8-9.3), 9 of which were vascular deaths. All-cause mortality occurred in 106 patients (10.3/100 pt-y; 95% CI 8.5-12.5). The incidence of major bleeding events was 4.0/100 pt-y in patients on anticoagulant drugs and 3.4/100 pt-y in patients not receiving anticoagulants. The incidence of vascular events was 5.6/100 pt-y and 9.7/100 pt-y, respectively. Major bleeding and vascular event rates were highest in cirrhotic patients (10.0/100 pt-y and 11.3/100 pt-y, respectively), and lowest in the subgroup of non-malignant non-cirrhotic patients (1.8/100 pt-y and 5.6/100 pt-y, respectively). Conclusions: SVT patients have a non-negligible long-term risk of both bleeding and thrombotic events, but this risk varies according to the pathogenesis of SVT. Anticoagulant treatment is associated with a reduced incidence of thrombotic events without apparently resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. Funding: The study was funded by a grant from Pfizer Canada to ISTH Disclosures Ageno: Bayer Healthcare: Research Funding. Schulman:Bayer HealthCare: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Beyer-Westendorf:Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Boehringer: Honoraria, Research Funding.

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A Pilot Study in Cancer Patients with Central Venous Catheter Associated Deep Vein Thrombosis in Upper Extremity Treated with Rivaroxaban (Catheter 2)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.878.878 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 878-878 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gwynivere A Davies ◽

Alejandro Lazo-Langner ◽

Esteban Gandara ◽

Vicky Tagalakis ◽

Martha L Louzada ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Venous Catheter ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Catheter Survival ◽

Vein Thrombosis ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

Deep Vein

Abstract Introduction Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) represents up to 10% of cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is frequently associated with central venous catheter (CVC) placement in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. UEDVT may be treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) either as monotherapy or subsequently transitioned to warfarin as we have previously shown (Kovacs 2007). Whereas for non-cancer VTE rivaroxaban is at least as efficacious and safe as warfarin, the latter is problematic in cancer patients and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as rivaroxaban have not been studied to date in this setting. In this study weevaluated thesafety and efficacy of rivaroxaban in the treatment of UEDVT secondary to CVC in patients with cancer. Methods We conducted a multicentre prospective cohort study at 3 centres in Canada between December 2012 and January 2016. We enrolled patients ≥18 years of age with active malignancy and symptomatic proximal UEDVT (axillary or more proximal) with or without pulmonary embolism (PE), associated with a CVC. Exclusion criteria included dialysis catheters, active bleeding, platelet count <75 x 109/L, creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, other anticoagulants, PE with hemodynamic instability, inability to infuse through the catheter after a trial of intraluminal thrombolytic therapy (tissue plasminogen activator,tPa), patients with acute leukemia, patients with multiple myeloma awaiting bone marrow transplant within 3 months, thrombosis involving the brachial,basilic or cephalic veins only, treatment for >7 days with other anticoagulant, need for dual antiplatelet therapy (recent stent), or concomitant use of P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4 inhibitors. Primary objective was an estimate of the proportion of catheter survival at 3 months, defined as infusion failure that does not respond to 2 mg oftPa. Secondary objectives included recurrence of DVT, PE, major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) and death. All events were independently adjudicated. Patients were treated with rivaroxaban at a dose of 15 mgpo bid for 3 weeks, followed by 20 mgpo daily for 9 more weeks (minimum 12 weeks).tPa (oralteplase) for management of blocked lines was allowed. Patients were followed clinically for 12 weeks to assess for clinical events including recurrent DVT and/or PE, major bleeding and CRNMB, and by phone at 6 months. Results We included 70 patients (47[67%] women) with a mean age of 54.1 years. DVTs were diagnosed by ultrasound in 68 (97%) patients, and most commonly involved the subclavian (n=55, 79%) and axillary (n=49, 70%) veins, followed by the internal jugular, brachial, brachiocephalic and external jugular veins. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) were most common (n=54, 77%), followed by port-a-cathlines (n=16, 23%). Types of active malignancy included breast (n=29, 41%), colon (n=8, 11%), colorectal (n=5, 7%), rectal (n=3, 4%), prostate (n=1, 1%), and other (n=24, 34%). Catheter survival was 58.6% (95% CI 46.9 to 69.4) at 12 weeks and no catheters were removed due to thrombosis. Patients had their CVCs removed prior to the end of the study due to end of therapeutic need (n=20), infection (n=2), bleeding (n=2), kinking (n=2), patient preference (n=2), and death (n=1). The 3-month incidence rate of recurrent VTE was 1.43% (95% CI 0.25 to 7.66). There was 1 episode of recurrent VTE presenting as a fatal PE at 6 weeks. It was not known if the patient had a concurrent leg DVT at the time of the PE. There were no other deaths from any cause during the study. There were 11 bleeding events in 9 patients (12.85%, 95%CI 6.9 to 22.7), 6 major and 5 CRNMB (Figure 1). All bleeding events happened during the first 39 days of treatment. 7 patients discontinued anticoagulation during the study due to death (n=1), patient or clinician preference (n=5) and dermatological adverse reaction (n=1). Discussion In this study rivaroxaban showed promise in treating CVC-associated UEDVT in cancer patients, resulting in preserved CVC function. However, the bleeding rates and the occurrence of 1 death due to pulmonary embolism is concerning since we cannot exclude a causative role for the known UEDVT. Further studies are still required prior to recommending rivaroxaban in this setting. Figure 1 Kaplan-Meier curve for cumulative bleeding risk. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curve for cumulative bleeding risk. Disclosures Lazo-Langner: Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Tagalakis:Bayer: Honoraria. Louzada:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Kovacs:Bayer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo Pharma: Research Funding; LEO Pharma: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding.

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Calculation of HAS-BLED Score Is Useful for Early Identification of Venous Thromboembolism Patients at High Risk for Major Bleeding Events: A Prospective Outpatients Cohort Study

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1607433 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (04) ◽

pp. 348-352 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Reinhard Raggam ◽

Franz Hafner ◽

Alexander Avian ◽

Gerald Hackl ◽

Gerhard Cvirn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Bleeding Complications ◽

Minor Bleeding ◽

Prospective Evaluation ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Major Bleeding Events

AbstractThe aim of this study was prospective evaluation of the performance of the HAS-BLED score in predicting major bleeding complications in a real-world outpatient cohort, during long-term anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE), treated with a broad spectrum of anticoagulants. We analyzed 111 outpatients objectively diagnosed with VTE and treated long-term with various anticoagulants. Patients were grouped in three cohorts based on the anticoagulant regimen. Calculation of the HAS-BLED score and documentation of bleeding events were performed every 6 months for 1 year. Patients with a HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 had an increased risk for major bleeding events (odds ratio [OR]: 13.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–692.58, p = 0.028) and a trend to higher risk for minor bleeding events as well (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 0.87–5.85, p = 0.091) when compared with patients with a HAS-BLED score < 3.This indicates that a HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 allows for identification of patients with VTE on long-term anticoagulation at an increased risk for major bleeding events, irrespective of the anticoagulant agent used.

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Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors in 795 Morbidly Obese Patients

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-116396 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 423-423 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Margarita Kushnir ◽

Yun Choi ◽

Ruth Eisenberg ◽

Devika Rao ◽

Seda Tolu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Factor Xa ◽

Factor Xa Inhibitors ◽

Morbidly Obese ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Prescription Date ◽

Recurrent Vte

Abstract Background: Studies of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) have shown comparable therapeutic efficacy and similar or lower bleeding risk for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to warfarin. Because the representation of morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) in pivotal clinical trials has been minimal, efficacy and safety of DOACs in this population are unclear. Our goal was to investigate whether direct oral factor Xa inhibitors, apixaban and rivaroxaban, are as effective and safe as warfarin in morbidly obese (BMI ≥40) patients. Methods: Using our institutional database, we identified all adult patients at Montefiore Medical Center with BMI ≥40 who were started on anticoagulation with apixaban, rivaroxaban or warfarin, for either AF or VTE, between March 1, 2013 and March 1, 2017. We reviewed charts to obtain detailed information on patient demographics and to document clinical outcomes of recurrent VTE, ischemic stroke (CVA) and bleeding from the first prescription date to the earliest of a thrombotic event, discontinuation of medication, death, or June 30, 2017. VTE and CVA episodes were confirmed by imaging (compression sonography, CT scans, ventilation/perfusion scans, MRIs). Bleeding events were classified according to criteria from the Control of Anticoagulation Subcommittee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Analyses were stratified by anticoagulation indication. Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests were used to assess statistical significance of the differences in VTE, CVA and bleeding rates between anticoagulant cohorts. Differences in times from first prescription date to VTE, CVA and bleeding were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves, Log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards models. Data were adjusted for age, CHA2DS2-VASc, and Charlson scores. Subgroup analyses were performed for patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2. Results: Data on 795 patients were collected. In 366 patients with a history of VTE, the rates of recurrent VTE were low and comparable among the apixaban, rivaroxaban and warfarin cohorts [1/47 (2.1%), 3/152 (2%), and 2/167 (1.2%), respectively, p=0.74]. In the subgroup of individuals with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 (n=92), none of the 40 DOAC patients had recurrent VTE. The rates of clinically relevant bleeding, including major bleeding, among VTE patients, were comparable between the three cohorts. Among the 429 patients with AF, stroke rates were also low and similar among anticoagulant cohorts [1/103 (1%) for apixaban, 4/174 (2.3%) for rivaroxaban, and 2/152 (1.3%) for warfarin, p=0.71]. CVAs were similarly rare in patients with BMI ≥50 (1/19 patients on apixaban, 0/37 on rivaroxaban and 1/44 patients on warfarin). In the AF sample, there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of bleeding, including major bleeding, among the 3 cohorts. In an analysis with combined DOAC cohort (apixaban + rivaroxaban vs. warfarin), the recurrent VTE and stroke rates were still low and comparable. There were more major bleeding events in AF patients on warfarin than the combined DOAC cohort (7.9% vs. 2.9%, p=0.02), a finding that became non-significant when adjusted for age, CHA2DS2-VASc, and Charlson scores (p=0.06). The rates of bleeding, including major bleeding, were comparable among the three anticoagulants in both VTE and AF patients with BMI ≥50. Conclusions: Our study is the largest study examining morbidly obese patients on DOACS and provides further evidence of comparable efficacy and safety of the direct oral anti-Xa inhibitors, compared to warfarin, in morbidly obese patients with AF and VTE. Disclosures Kushnir: Janssen: Research Funding. Billett:Bayer: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding.

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Safety of Anticoagulant Therapies for Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Cancer

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1178.1178 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 1178-1178 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Michael Streiff ◽

Dejan Milentijevic ◽

Keith McCrae ◽

Daniel Yannicelli ◽

Jonathan Fortier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Control Cohort ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Employment Equity ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Equity Ownership ◽

Major Bleeding Events

Abstract Introduction: Anticoagulation is effective for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in cancer patients, but it is also associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Previous clinical trials (e.g., CLOT and CATCH) of LMWH and warfarin for the treatment of VTE in cancer patients reported major bleeding in 3% to 6% of treated patients. The objective of this observational study was to compare the risk of major bleeding in cancer patients treated with anticoagulants for VTE in a real world setting. Methods: Medical and pharmacy claims from the Humana Database from 1/1/2013 to 05/31/2015 were analyzed. Newly diagnosed cancer patients with a first VTE diagnosis occurring after their first cancer diagnosis, and with ≥1 dispensing of an anticoagulant within 7 days after their VTE diagnosis, were selected. Based on the first anticoagulant received, patients were classified into one of the following cohorts: LMWH, warfarin, and rivaroxaban (other agents not included due to low utilization). Inverse probability of treatment weights based on propensity score were used to adjust for differences between treatment cohorts for the following comparisons: LMWH vs. rivaroxaban, LMWH vs. warfarin, and rivaroxaban vs. warfarin. Patients were followed up until the earliest event, either treatment non-persistence (gap > 60 days between the end of the days of supply of a dispensing and the start date of the next dispensing), or end of data availability. Major bleeding events were identified using validated criteria (Cunningham et al., 2011). Kaplan-Meier rates at 3 and 6 months and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of bleeding between different treatment cohorts. To better understand the risk of major bleeding in cancer patients unrelated to anticoagulation, a cohort of patients with cancer who did not have VTE and did not receive an anticoagulant was added as a control cohort. Results: A total of 2,428 patients (LMWH: n=660; warfarin: n=1,061; rivaroxaban: n=707) were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were well balanced among treatment cohorts. Median duration of therapy with LMWH was shorter than rivaroxaban (1.0 vs. 3.0 months, p<.0001) and warfarin (1.0 vs. 3.5 months, p<.0001). Rates of major bleeding for LMWH and rivaroxaban were 8.3% and 8.2%, respectively at 6 months with a hazard ratio (HRs [95% CI]) of 1.03 (0.64-1.65; Figure 1A). In the comparison between LMWH and warfarin cohorts, major bleeding rates were 8.5% and 8.6%, respectively at 6 months with hazard ratio (HRs [95% CI]) of 1.04 (0.69-1.57; Figure 1B). The risk of major bleeding was also similar for rivaroxaban and warfarin cohorts, 9.0% and 8.7%, respectively at 6 months with a hazard ratio (HR [95% CI]) of 1.01 (0.71-1.43; Figure 1C). For the control cohort of cancer patients without VTE and not receiving anticoagulation median follow-up was 5.6 months. Rates of major bleeding events for the control cohort were 2.6% and 4.2 % at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: This real world study of cancer patients treated for VTE found that the risk of major bleeding was similar for the 3 most widely prescribed anticoagulants in current clinical practice: LMWH, warfarin, and rivaroxaban. The observed rates of major bleeding were generally higher than what has been reported for LMWH and warfarin in the CLOT and CATCH trials. Patient characteristics such as older age (average age 73 years) could have contributed to the higher major bleeding rate seen in this study compared to the CLOT and CATCH trials, respectively. Figure 1 Rates of Major Bleeding Events LMWH vs. rivaroxaban cohorts Figure 1. Rates of Major Bleeding Events. / LMWH vs. rivaroxaban cohorts Figure 2 LMWH vs. warfarin cohorts Figure 2. LMWH vs. warfarin cohorts Figure 3 rivaroxaban vs. warfarin cohorts Figure 3. rivaroxaban vs. warfarin cohorts Disclosures Streiff: Portola: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Research Funding. Milentijevic:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment, Equity Ownership. McCrae:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Yannicelli:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment, Equity Ownership. Fortier:Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Nelson:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Employment, Equity Ownership. Laliberté:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Research Funding. Crivera:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Raritan, New Jersey: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lefebvre:Janssen Scientific Affairs: Research Funding. Schein:Johnson & Johnson: Employment, Equity Ownership, Other: Own in excess of $10,000 of J&J stock. Khorana:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Halozyme: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Leo: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

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Risk of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism and Bleeding in Patients with Cancer Associated Thrombosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-142805 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 18-18

Author(s):

Doaa Attia ◽

Xuefei Jia ◽

Mailey L Wilks ◽

Barbara Tripp ◽

Christopher D'Andrea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Cleveland Clinic ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Recurrent Vte ◽

Cancer Associated Thrombosis

Background: The treatment paradigm for cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) has evolved over recent years from using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Some randomized trials suggest decreased rates of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in CAT patients treated with DOACs compared to LMWH but also reported increased rates of bleeding. The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center has been treating cancer thrombosis in a centralized CAT clinic since 2014. Here we report our rates of bleeding and recurrent VTE in cancer patients treated with anticoagulation. Methods: We prospectively followed cancer patients referred to our clinic from 8/2014-10/2019. A total of 1548 patients were referred to the clinic, of whom 462 were diagnosed with an acute VTE. VTE events, including deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and visceral thrombosis, were noted. The comparison of bleeding rates (defined using ISTH criteria for major and clinically relevant non major bleeding, CRNMB) among treatment groups (LMWH vs DOACs) was examined using chi-square test. Rate of recurrent VTE was analyzed using a competing model in which death was treated as a competing risk. Results: The study population comprised 462 patients with acute VTE with a mean age of 62.67±12.23 and 51.8 % males. Of these, 234 (52.9%) received LMWH, 161(36.4%) received DOACs, and 47 (10.6%) received other agents including warfarin for initial anticoagulation. Overall, the 6-month, 1 year, and 2-year VTE recurrence rate was 5.9%, 6.6%, 7.9%, respectively. Recurrent VTE rates were similar for LMWHs, DOACs and other agents (P>0.05). Of 368 patients for whom follow-up data was available, 74 (16.7%) had bleeding event , of which 25 (33.8%) had major bleeding and 49 (66.4%) had CRNMB at 6 month follow-up with no difference across three treatment groups (p=0.56). Conclusion: In this real-world practice setting, rates of recurrent VTE and bleeding were similar for DOACs and LMWH suggesting that with careful patient selection the concern for higher bleeding with DOACs in cancer patients can be safely overcome. Disclosures McCrae: Momenta Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria; Rigel: Consultancy; Dova: Consultancy. Khorana:Merck: Research Funding; Medscape: Honoraria; Leo Pharma: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Pharmacyte: Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria; Array: Other: Research funding (to institution); Janssen: Honoraria; Bayer: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Leap: Research Funding.

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Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients initiating chemotherapy: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.7074 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 7074-7074

Author(s):

Emma Ryan ◽

Julia Salinaro ◽

Laura J Havrilesky ◽

Brittany Anne Davidson

Keyword(s):

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Vte Prophylaxis ◽

Effectiveness Analysis ◽

The Cost ◽

Prophylaxis Strategy

7074 Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. The Apixaban for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in High-Risk Ambulatory Cancer Patients (AVERT) randomized controlled trial concluded that apixaban is a safe and effective option for VTE prophylaxis in high-risk ambulatory cancer patients initiating a new chemotherapy regimen. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis from a health system perspective to determine if apixaban is a feasible prophylactic strategy for this population. Methods: A decision model was created from a third party payer perspective with a time horizon of 6 months, based on the treatment arms of the AVERT trial: (1) apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily for 6 months during active chemotherapy versus (2) placebo. Rates of VTE (4.2% apixaban vs 10.2% placebo), major bleeding (3.5% vs 1.8%) and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) (7.3% vs 5.5%) were modeled from the results of the AVERT trial. Cost estimates for treatments and events were obtained from wholesale drug costs, previously published studies and Medicare reimbursement data, and adjusted for inflation to 2018 dollars. Quality adjusted life years were calculated based on previously published utility values for the health states of advanced cancer, DVT, PE, and major bleeding events. An exploratory analysis was performed comparing prophylactic aspirin to no prophylaxis assuming a VTE rate of 7.2%, major bleeding rate of 3.5%, and CRNMB rate of 7.3%, based on the conservative assumptions that while aspirin may not be as effective at preventing VTE, the rate of clinically significant bleeding events would be similar or greater than that of apixaban. Results: In the base case model, apixaban is more costly and more effective than placebo (ICER = $5,013,190/QALY), and the cost per VTE prevented in the apixaban arm is $33,000. In one-way sensitivity analysis, if the cost of apixaban were reduced by 40% from $3,197 to $1,250 for a 6 month course, this could potentially be a cost-effective prophylaxis strategy with an ICER less than $100,000/QALY. In the alternative analysis, aspirin dominates placebo as it is both more effective and less expensive, and remains cost-effective even when the rate of clinically recognized bleeding with aspirin exceeds 15%. Conclusions: Further investigation into less costly prophylactic options such as generic direct oral anticoagulants (once available) and aspirin is warranted prior to broader implementation of a VTE prophylaxis strategy in this population.

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Validation of the Ottawa Score in Cancer Patients with Venous Thromboembolism. the Predicare Cohort Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-129087 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 167-167 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Guy Meyer ◽

Celine Chapelle ◽

Philippe Girard ◽

Florian Scotté ◽

Anne Lamblin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Board Of Directors ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Research Funding ◽

Advisory Committees ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Recurrent Vte ◽

Support Research

Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a difficult to treat condition in patients with cancer with a persisting risk of recurrent VTE during anticoagulant treatment with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Recent data suggest that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS) are associated with a lower risk of recurrence but a higher risk of bleeding in these patients. Predicting the risk of recurrent VTE with LMWH may help to select the best treatment option. We conducted a prospective multicenter observational cohort study in cancer patients with VTE treated with tinzaparin for 6 months in order to validate the Ottawa score (NCT03099031) and search for additional risk of recurrent VTE. The Ottawa score is composed of 5 variables, female sex (+1), lung cancer (+1), breast cancer (-1) cancer stage 1 (-2) and previous DVT (+1). A score ≤0 is associated with a low risk of recurrent VTE. Methods Adult cancer patients with recent diagnosis of documented symptomatic or incidental VTE (deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) treated with tinzaparin for 6 months were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic VTE within the first 6 months of treatment with tinzaparin. Other endpoints were symptomatic recurrent VTE, major bleeding, heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), all-cause mortality within 3 and 6 months. All events were adjudicated by a Central Adjudication Committee. Time-to-event outcomes were estimated by the Kalbfleisch and Prentice method to take into account the competing risk of death. Cumulative incidences were presented with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). To validate the Ottawa score, the area under the curve (AUC) and its 95% CI were calculated on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis; the most discriminant cut-off was then determined by calculating the Youden index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify additional predictive factors of recurrent VTE to those included in the Ottawa score using the Fine and Gray method and adjusted on factors included in the Ottawa score. Hazard ratio and their 95% CI were calculated. Results A total of 409 patients were included and analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis; the median age was 68 years and 51% of patients were males. 60.4% of patients had a PE (with or without DVT) .64% received chemotherapy at inclusion or in the month before inclusion. Lung (31.3%) and digestive track (18.3%) cancers were the most common cancer types and 67.0% had stage IV cancers. According to Ottawa score, 58% of patients were classified at high clinical probability of recurrence (score ≥ 1). During the 6 months treatment period, 23 patients had a recurrent VTE, yielding a cumulative incidence of 6.1% (95% CI 4.0-9.3) with a median time for recurrent VTE of 33 days. The recurrence rate of VTE was estimated to 7.8% (95% CI 4.9-12.5) for patients classified at high risk of recurrence according to the Ottawa score (score ≥ 1) compared to 3.8% (95%CI 1.6-8.9) for other patients (Ottawa score < 1). AUC of the Ottawa score was 0.60 (95% CI 0.55-0.65). In multivariable analysis, none of the potential risk factors for recurrent VTE was significantly associated with recurrent VTE at 6 months. During the 6 months treatment period, 15 patients had a major bleeding and 2 patients experienced a HIT. At 3 and 6 months, 104 and 144 patients had died yielding a cumulative incidence of 26.1%, (95% CI 21.8-30.4) and 37.8% (95% CI 32.8-42.9), respectively. The main cause of death was underlying cancer. Conclusion In this prospective cohort of patients with cancer receiving LMWH for VTE, the Ottawa score did not accurately predict recurrent VTE. No other clinical predictor of recurrent VTE was identified in this study. Disclosures Meyer: Bayer: Other: travel support; LEO pharma: Other: travel support, Research Funding; SANOFI: Other: travel support, Research Funding; BMS-Pfizer: Other: travel support, Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding. Girard:Leo Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel support. Scotté:LEO Pharma A/S: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Tesaro: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; MSD: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pierre Fabre Oncology: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Lamblin:Leo Pharma: Employment. Laporte:Bayer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Boston scientific: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Leo-Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Boehringer-Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MSD: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

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Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Obese Patients with Venous Thromboembolism

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-121765 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 3675-3675

Author(s):

Renata Almeida Sa ◽

Fatimah Al-Ani ◽

Alejandro Lazo-Langner ◽

Martha L Louzada

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Major Bleeding ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Minor Bleeding ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Major Bleeding Events

Background: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), however, obese patients are under-represented in clinical trials (1;2). Four direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been approved for the treatment of acute VTE (3-6), including the direct Factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban and the direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran. Given the lack of data in this population, it is unclear if DOACs can be used safely. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs for the treatment of VTE in obese patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, single-centre cohort study in London (Canada) to compare the efficacy and safety of DOACs for the treatment of acute VTE in obese patients. We screened electronic and hard copy charts of adult patients referred to our thrombosis clinic for treatment of an objectively confirmed acute VTE between January 2012 and December 2017. Patients treated with DOACs or Warfarin were selected and followed from diagnosis of the index event until cessation of anticoagulation or up to 1 year. Our study population was analyzed by BMI (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2versus < 30 kg/m2) and body weight (≥120 kg vs. <120 kg). Patients were excluded if they were on anticoagulation therapy for conditions other than VTE (e.g; atrial fibrillation), cancer-associated thrombosis, or missing data. The primary outcome measure was VTE recurrence during the anticoagulation treatment period and was defined according to the ISTH criteria (7). Our secondary outcome was the occurrence of bleeding events A bleeding event is defined as: a) Major Bleeding: bleed resulting in a hemoglobin drop of > 20 g/L, clinically overt and requiring more than 2 units of packed red blood cells, a hemorrhage requiring permanent cessation of anticoagulation and any retroperitoneal or intracranial hemorrhage; b) Minor Bleeding: bleed with no or little clinical significance, associated with no cost and does not require medical evaluation; and c) clinically significant non-major bleeding: does not fulfill criteria for major or minor bleeding but requires patients to be seek medical attention and/or minor procedures (8). Groups were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, as appropriate. The significance level was set at 0.05. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for VTE recurrence and bleeding among DOAC groups and patients treated with Warfarin were analyzed by logistic regression. All statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25 (IBM Corp. Released 2017. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Results: Of 1143 potentially eligible patients, 777 fulfilled our inclusion criteria: 278 (35.8%) obese patients treated with DOACs, 266 (34.2%) non-obese patients on DOACS and 233 (30%) obese patients on Warfarin. Of the patients on DOACs, 80% (n= 436) were on rivaroxaban, while the remaining 20% were either on apixaban or edoxaban (n= 108). Among patients on DOACs VTE recurrence was observed in 2.1% (N=6) of patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and 2.8% (N=2) of patients with 120 kg or more, with no differences in the risk of VTE recurrence (Table 1). The proportion of major bleeding events for patients on DOACs was 1.1% (N=3) for patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and 1.4% (N=1) for patients with 120kg or more. There were no significant differences with respect to major and total bleeding risk (Table1). When comparing obese patients on DOACs vs Warfarin we did not find differences in the risk of VTE recurrence among patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 [RR 2.59 95% IC (0.51-12.96), p= 0. 247] or body weight ≥120 kg [RR 4.33 95% IC (0.21-89.43), p= 0. 337] (Table 2). Among obese patients those treated with DOACs had a similar proportion and risk of total bleeding and major bleeding events compared to those on warfarin (Table 2). Conclusions: Our retrospective study suggests that DOACs at standard doses appear to have similar efficacy and safety in obese patients as defined herein. However, since most of our patients were treated with rivaroxaban, information on other agents is inconclusive. Information on patients with extreme body weight was limited. Disclosures Louzada: Bayer: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria.

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