333. Cardio-Oncology: Thromboembolic Disease in Cardio-oncology with Dr. Joshua Levenson
Sep 26, 2023
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Dr. Joshua Levenson, an expert in Cardio Oncology, discusses thromboembolic disease in Cardio-oncology. They explore risk factors and clinical biomarkers for identification. The episode also covers anticoagulation treatment for patients with acute PE, including the use of low molecular weight heparins and Coumadin. Additionally, they discuss the use of IVC filters in emergency situations and the increased risk of cardiovascular events in cancer patients with existing cardiovascular disease.
Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are common in patients with cancer, and risk assessment models like the Korana score can aid in managing and preventing VTE in these patients.
Managing anticoagulation in cancer patients with high bleeding risk requires individualized approaches and collaboration between oncologists, cardiologists, and surgeons.
Deep dives
Thromboembolic Disease in Cardio Oncology
Thromboembolic disease is a common clinical scenario in patients with cancer, especially those with active metastatic disease and undergoing chemotherapy. The incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) is around 10% in patients with active cancer. Manifestations of VTE can vary, but lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are the most common. Certain cancer types, like gastric and pancreas, are associated with higher VTE risk, while limited-stage cancers like early breast cancer have a lower risk. Patients with unprovoked VTE or underlying malignancy may have increased risk. Anticoagulation and risk assessment models like the Korana score can aid in managing and preventing VTE in cancer patients.
Managing Cancer-Associated Thrombosis
Managing anticoagulation in patients with cancer and high bleeding risk can be challenging. Clinical biomarkers may not be reliable for predicting thrombotic complications, but understanding patient phenotypes and clinical history can be helpful. Sedentary lifestyle, immobility, and active inflammation increase the risk of thrombotic events in cancer patients. Certain chemotherapies, like proteasome inhibitors, pose a higher risk. Validated risk scores, such as the Korana score, can aid in identifying high-risk patients. Treatment options include direct oral anticoagulants and low molecular weight heparins. The duration of anticoagulation should be determined on an individual basis, taking into account cancer treatment and bleeding risk. Perioperative anticoagulation management requires collaboration between oncologists, cardiologists, and surgeons.
Thromboprophylaxis and Risk Assessment Models
Risk assessment models like the Korana score and VENA CAT score help identify high-risk patients for recurrent thrombotic events. These scores take into account factors like cancer type, platelet count, hemoglobin level, white count, and obesity. For low, moderate, and high-risk patients, the incidence of VTE over a certain period varies. Anticoagulation and prophylactic measures like mobility, compression devices, and aspirin can help prevent VTE. The use of direct oral anticoagulants with appropriate loading doses and duration of treatment is recommended. Aspirin is also effective in prophylaxis. Individualized management and ongoing conversations between oncologists and cardiologists are crucial in determining the optimal anticoagulation and treatment plan.
Managing Arterial Thrombotic Events in Cancer Patients
Patients with active malignancy are at a higher risk of arterial thrombotic events, especially those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Managing modifiable risk factors like lipid control, blood pressure, and atherosclerotic burden is essential. High-dose statins, blood pressure control, and antiplatelet therapy may be recommended. Balancing the use of anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents, such as in the context of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or stroke, requires individualized approaches. Recognizing and addressing both atherosclerotic risk and potential coagulopathy related to cancer treatment is key in preventing and managing arterial thrombotic events.
In this episode, CardioNerds Dr. Daniel Ambinder, Dr. Giselle Suero Abreu, and Dr. Saahil Jumkhawala discuss thromboembolic disease in cardio-oncology with faculty expert Dr. Joshua Levenson, the Associate Program Director of the cardiology fellowship and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine. Venous (VTE) and arterial thromboembolic (ATE) events are precipitants of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Here, we discuss the pathophysiology of thromboembolism, risk factors and epidemiology for ATE and VTE, the role of risk prediction and patient stratification, and the approach to treatment for and prophylaxis of thromboembolic events with anticoagulation. Show notes were drafted by Dr. Saahil Jumkhawala and episode audio was edited by CardioNerds Intern Dr. Tina Reddy.
This episode is supported by a grant from Pfizer Inc.
This CardioNerds Cardio-Oncology series is a multi-institutional collaboration made possible by contributions of stellar fellow leads and expert faculty from several programs, led by series co-chairs, Dr. Giselle Suero Abreu, Dr. Dinu Balanescu, and Dr. Teodora Donisan.
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Pearls and Quotes - Thromboembolic Disease in Cardio-oncology
Patients with cancer are at higher risk of developing both arterial and venous thromboembolic events compared to the general population.
Certain cancer subtypes are associated with a relatively higher risk of developing thromboembolic complications.
Anticoagulation type and duration should be dependent on patient characteristics and risk factors, with shared decision-making between the patient and their providers.
Subgroups of patients may benefit from more aggressive management of their atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors while being treated for cancer to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications.
Show notes - Thromboembolic Disease in Cardio-oncology
What are the incidence and main manifestations of thromboembolic events (venous and arterial) in patients with active malignancy?
Approximately 10% of outpatients with active cancer have venous thromboembolic events, many of which are asymptomatic. Clinically relevant VTEs are predominantly deep venous thrombosis (DVTs) with pain and/or swelling of the involved extremities or pulmonary emboli (PEs) resulting in chest pain and/or shortness of breath. VTE is the number one preventable cause of death for all hospitalized patients, and the ability to prevent and treat these events is crucial, particularly in high-risk populations such as patients with cancer.
Are there any high-risk associations with specific cancer subtypes?
Patients with metastatic disease and those receiving chemotherapy are more likely to develop arterial or venous thromboembolic events. Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and thrombocytopenic patients are at the lowest risk for thromboembolic events. Multiple myeloma patients on medication such as proteasome inhibitors or lenalidomide appear at particular risk. Patients with localized, early-stage cancers such as breast, prostate, and melanoma are also at lower risk.
What are the main risk factors to identify patients at a higher risk of developing thrombotic complications?
Patients with a sedentary lifestyle, deconditioning, and undergoing active treatment with chemotherapy are at the highest risk of developing DVT or PE.
How should we approach choosing the optimal type and duration of anticoagulation for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in the setting of malignancy?
This remains an area of active research. Historically, patients would receive systemic anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin.
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