Management of Venous Thromboembolism and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Cancer. The Role of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Cancer is accompanied by an increase of both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Thus, the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or atrial fibrillation (AF) presents certain difficulties in oncologic patients. So far, low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) have been proved the most effective and safe agents for long-term use in the VTE setting. However the novel oral anticoagulants (Direct Oral Anti Coagulants-DOACs), which are more friendly to use and begin to displace conventional anticoagulation in non-cancer patients, emerge as an attractive alternative. We present the latest data from randomized trials, meta-analyses of DOACs in oncologic populations and recent recommendation papers, as these agents claim their role in the management of cancer patients. Rhythmos 2019;14(1):5-9