Abstract
Recently direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become a new therapeutic option
besides parenteral anticoagulants to treat cancer-associated venous thromboembolism
(VTE). With this survey we wanted to identify factors influencing the choice between
low-molecular-weight heparin and DOACs among physicians treating cancer patients.
A questionnaire was presented at several medical educational activities on cancer
care and VTE management between August 2018 and January 2019. One hundred fifteen
physicians returned their surveys. The two most compelling arguments pro DOAC were
when the patient had no chemotherapy and when he expressed unwillingness to apply
injections. The two most important arguments against DOACs were if the patient had
problems with taking oral medications or when he had a history of severe bleeding.
This survey shows that future studies need to consider many more factors, particularly
patient preferences and physician concerns on bleeding risk, to improve their applicability
in daily practice.
Keywords
cancer-associated venous thromboembolism - direct oral anticoagulants - low-molecular-weight
heparin
