Anticoagulation of Cardiovascular Conditions in the Cancer Patient: Review of Old and New Therapies

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe anticoagulation strategies for various cardiac-specific pathologies including atrial fibrillation are changing. Applying these strategies in patients with concomitant active cancer requires additional considerations. Here, we review the most recent changes in the anticoagulation management of common cardiac diseases and their application in cancer patients.Recent FindingsThere are a range of indications for therapeutic anticoagulation in cancer patients including venous thromboembolism (VTE), atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL), prosthetic heart valves, and intracardiac thrombi. Certain cancer therapeutics such as ibrutinib and anthracycline chemotherapy increase the risk of developing AF/AFL and pose unique challenges in anticoagulation management. Anticoagulation decisions for AF/AFL often utilize the CHADS2 or the CHA2DS2-VASc score with annualized stroke risk; however, these risk stratification models may be inadequate in cancer patients. Cancer type, stage, prognosis, and bleeding risk are all relevant when considering whether to initiate therapeutic anticoagulation. Moreover, thrombocytopenia may limit the ability to provide anticoagulation. Subsequent analyses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) show fewer bleeding complications and thromboembolic events compared to warfarin in AF/AFL with apixaban and edoxaban particularly promising in this population for VTE, pulmonary embolism, and AF/AFL. There is a lack of data regarding ablation th...
Source: Current Oncology Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research