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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