Korean J Clin Pharm.  2016 Dec;26(4):269-282. 10.0000/kjcp.2016.26.4.269.

Novel Oral Anticoagulants for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients

• Kim JH
• Gwak HS

• KMID: 2369003
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/kjcp.2016.26.4.269

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism, encompassing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, has increased in cancer patients and adversely affects their prognosis. Low-molecular-weight heparins are recommended as efficacious and safe anticoagulation treatment in cancer patients. However, in practice, oral anticoagulation is preferred, especially if longterm or extended treatment is necessary. Novel oral anticoagulants have recently emerged as an alternative to the standard therapy owing to the ease of administration, predictable anticoagulation effect without the need of laboratory monitoring, and fewer drug interactions. These new agents have been shown as effective and safe for the management of cancer-associated thrombosis in ongoing head-to-head comparative trials. Here we review the advances and limitation of current anticoagulant therapies.

Keyword

Novel oral anticoagulant; cancer; venous thromboembolism

MeSH Terms

Anticoagulants*
Drug Interactions
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Humans
Prognosis
Pulmonary Embolism
Thrombosis
Venous Thromboembolism*
Venous Thrombosis
Anticoagulants
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight