Abstract 11655: Direct Oral Anticoagulants Compared With Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Vitamin K Antagonists in the Management of Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been established for the treatment of cancer-associated thromboembolism (CAT). Recent guidelines suggest Direct Oral Anti-Coagulants (DOACs) may have a role in the management of CAT, however these recommendations were conditional. This study aims to compare DOACs with LMWH and Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) in CAT. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies through a systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) published before January 25, 2022. Our criteria included studies in patients with all cancer types who received DOACs, VKAs, or LMWH for prevention or treatment of CAT. We analyzed outcomes including recurrent venous thromboembolism, major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), and all-cause mortality. The quality assessment of the included RCTs was conducted through Cochrane Tool, while the quality of the included cohort studies was assessed by the NIH tool. The network meta-analysis was performed using the netmeta package in R software. Results: A total of 55 studies were included; 18 RCTs, and 37 cohort studies. DOACs (RR= 0.72, 95% CI [0.63; 0.83]) and LMWH (RR= 0.78, 95% CI [0.64; 0.94]) had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding than VKAs. There was also a significantly decreased risk of clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) with LMWH than DOACs (RR= 0.63, 95% CI [0.55; 0.73]) and DOACs compared to VKA (RR= 0.83, 95% CI [0.72; 0.95]). With regards to recurrent venous thromboembolism risk (VTE), DOACs showed a significantly lower risk compared with either LMWH (RR=0.70, 95% CI [0.59; 0.83]) or VKA (RR=0.66, 95% CI [0.54; 0.80]). Conclusion: We conclude that DOACs are more effective in the management of CAT when compared to LMWH and VKA. DOACs and LMWH have significantly lower risk of major bleeding when compared to VKA. More research is needed to determine the best anticoagulation strategy for distinct types of cancers.