Heparin for colorectal cancer

Heparin has a survival benefit in cancer patients in general, and in patients with limited small cell lung cancer in particular. Heparin might be particularly beneficial in cancer patients with limited cancer or a longer life expectancy. Future research should investigate the survival benefit of different types of anticoagulants (in different dosing, schedules and duration of therapy) in patients with different types and stages of cancers.

Parenteral anticoagulation for prolonging survival in patients with cancer who have no other indication for anticoagulation

Akl

Doormaal

Barba³

et al. 2007

Parenteral anticoagulation in patients with cancer who have no therapeutic or prophylactic indication for anticoagulation

Akl¹,

Gunukula²,

Barba³

et al. 2011

Heparin was associated with a significant reduction of death at 24 months but not 12 months. It was also associated with a reduction in venous thromboembolism but based on the RCTs in this review it had no significant effect on major bleeding, minor bleeding or QoL. Future research should further investigate the survival benefit of different types of anticoagulants in patients with different types and stages of cancer. The decision for a patient with cancer to start heparin therapy for survival benefit should balance the benefits and downsides and integrate the patient's values and preferences.

Parenteral anticoagulation in ambulatory patients with cancer

Akl

Kahale

Ballout

et al. 2014

Heparin may have a small effect on mortality at 12 months and 24 months. It is associated with a reduction in venous thromboembolism and a likely increase in minor bleeding. Future research should further investigate the survival benefit of different types of anticoagulants in patients with different types and stages of cancer. The decision for a patient with cancer to start heparin therapy for survival benefit should balance the benefits and downsides, and should integrate the patient's values and preferences.