What Is the Appropriate Treatment of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolic Disease?

Thrombolytic therapy: Catheter-directed thrombolysis or systemic thrombolytic therapy might be appropriate treatment options for acute VTE. Presence of extensive proximal DVT, symptom duration of less than two weeks, life expectancy of greater than one year, good functional status, and low bleeding risk are prerequisites. Anticoagulation recommendations do not change following thrombolytic therapy.¹⁷

In the setting of PE, hemodynamic instability is the primary indication for thrombolysis. ACCP does not recommend thrombolytic therapy for the majority of VTE patients.¹⁷

Back to the Case

Our patient’s lower-extremity ultrasound and CT of the abdomen and pelvis both revealed extensive clot burden, which likely is related to her underlying pancreatic cancer. She should be started on an LMWH. Given the low likelihood of cure from her cancer, anticoagulation should be continued indefinitely, and an LMWH should be given for at least the first six months. Whether she should be switched to an oral VKA after six months depends on several factors: cost considerations, nutritional status, chemotherapy, presence of cytopenias, and bleeding risk.

IVC filter placement is not indicated at this time, as the patient does not have any contraindications to anticoagulation, has not failed anticoagulation, and does not have impending cardiac or pulmonary compromise. She is not a candidate for thrombolytic therapy due to her poor functional status and limited life expectancy.

Bottom Line

Cancer-associated VTE is increasingly common, and optimally is treated with LMWH for at least six months—indefinitely in the setting of active cancer or treatment. IVC filters have limited and specific indications in the setting of cancer-associated VTE, and should be reserved for situations when anticoagulation is contraindicated. TH

Dr. Weaver is an instructor in the division of hospital medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Barsuk is an assistant professor in the division of hospital medicine at Feinberg.

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