Open AccessVenous thromboembolism in primary central nervous system lymphoma during frontline chemoimmunotherapy
Author(s) -
Yuen Hiu Lam Agnes,
Slocombe Alison,
Heron Vanessa,
Chunilal Sanjeev,
Shortt Jake,
Tatarczuch Maciej,
Grigoriadis George,
Patil Sushrut,
Gregory Gareth P.,
Opat Stephen,
Gilbertson Michael
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2475-0379
DOI - 10.1002/rth2.12415
Subject(s) - medicine , chemoimmunotherapy , primary central nervous system lymphoma , procarbazine , incidence (geometry) , surgery , chemoprophylaxis , confidence interval , rituximab , vincristine , pediatrics , chemotherapy , lymphoma , cyclophosphamide , physics , optics
Abstract Background In primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), venous thromboembolism (VTE) can cause significant morbidity and hinder chemotherapy delivery. Objectives To assess VTE incidence, timing and adequacy of inpatient and outpatient VTE prophylaxis in patients with PCNSL receiving chemoimmunotherapy with curative intent. Patients/Methods We reviewed patients diagnosed with PCNSL between 1997 and 2018 who received methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine ± Rituximab. Patient demographics, VTE prophylaxis and incidence, adverse events of anticoagulation, and survival outcomes were collected. Results Fifty‐one PCNSL patients were included (median 67 years [range, 32‐87], 30 males [59%]). Thirteen patients (25%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 14‐40) developed VTE at a median of 1.6 months from diagnosis (range, 0‐4). Patients with Khorana Risk Score ≥2 were more likely to have VTE than those with a KRS < 2 (60% vs 15%; P = .01). Eighty‐five percent had deviations from inpatient VTE prophylaxis guidelines, and outpatient prophylaxis was not routinely administered. Three patients required inferior vena cava filters. Hemorrhagic complications of anticoagulation included an intracranial hemorrhage from therapeutic anticoagulation and three cases of major bleeding from prophylactic anticoagulation. No patients died from VTE or its treatment. Conclusions Patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL are at high risk of VTE. Further research is required into optimal VTE prophylaxis in PCNSL.