The potential benefits of low-molecular-weight heparins in cancer patients

Background: The worse prognosis in cancer patients with COVID-19 infection in the context of the pandemic, compared to that in the general population, poses new challenges to ensure the perioperative safety.Aim: To reduce the risk of infection for cancer patients in the perioperative period and to prevent severe COVID-19.Materials and methods: During two months of the COVID-19 (from March to April 2020), we performed 158 surgical interventions: 49 for breast cancer, 31 for lung cancer (videothoracoscopic segmental and lobar resections), 12 for stomach cancer (8 distal and 1 proximal laparoscopic subtotal gastric resections, 3 gastrectomies), 16 laparoscopic resections for colorectal cancer, 29 resections with a reconstructive plastic for malignant skin tumors, 21 palliative and diagnostic operations (diagnostic thoracoscopy and laparoscopy, laparoscopic colostomy).Results: Preventive administration during preparation for surgery (interferon-al-pha2b and low molecular weight heparins) and for suspected infection (antibiotics, low molecular weight heparins and dexamethasone 12 mg/day intravenously) allowed for lower rates of the new coronavirus infection (1.3%) and its severe cases (0%) during surgical treatment of malignant tumors.Conclusion: Surgical treatment of cancer patients in the context of a new coronavirus infection pandemic should be carried out with strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures.

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Prevention and treatment of thrombosis in cancer and oncohematological patients

Oncohematology ◽

10.17650/1818-8346-2021-16-4-40-49 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 40-49

Author(s):

O. V. Somonova ◽

A. L. Elizarova ◽

T. V. Davydova

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Direct Oral Anticoagulants ◽

Low Molecular Weight ◽

Low Molecular Weight Heparins ◽

Oncological Patient ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Prevention And Treatment ◽

Thrombotic Complications

The purpose of the review is to highlight the current possibilities for the prevention and treatment of venous thrombotic complications in patients with cancer.The data of 52 scientific sources published in the Russian and foreign press in 1997–2020 are considered.Cancer patients are at high risk of thrombotic complications, which worsen the outcome of anticancer treatment and are one of the leading causes of death. Thrombosis in an oncological patient increases the risk of death by 30 times, which is associated with fatal thromboembolism and a more aggressive course of the disease. The leading role in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications is played by disorders in the hemostasis system caused both by the tumor itself and by therapy. Low molecular weight heparins are considered the basis for specific prophylaxis of thromboembolic complications in cancer patients. The use of low molecular weight heparins after surgery and during chemotherapy effectively reduces the incidence of venous thrombosis. Direct oral anticoagulants are promising drugs for oral administration and are indicated as one of the treatment options for patients with tumor-associated thrombosis with a low risk of bleeding and no drug interactions with ongoing systemic chemotherapy.

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