Clinical Edge

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Cochrane on Oral Blood Thinners in People with Ca

Cochrane; 2017 Dec 29; Kahale, Hakoum, et al

Publish date:

People with cancer who receive oral anticoagulation do not appear to live longer than those who do not receive such, according to a Cochrane review of 7 trials involving nearly 1,500 individuals. Additionally, they tend to have a higher risk of bleeding. Among the specific findings:

  • Warfarin had no effect on mortality or the risk of blood clots.
  • It increased the risk of major bleeding in 107 more people/1,000 population and minor bleeding in 167 more people/1,000 population.
  • Apixaban had no effect on mortality, recurrence of blood clots in blood vessels, or major or minor bleeding, according to 1 study.

Citation:

Kahale L, Hakoum M, Tsolakian I, et al. Oral anticoagulation in people with cancer who have no therapeutic or prophylactic indication for anticoagulation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD006466. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006466.pub6.

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