Residual Vein Thrombosis and the Optimal Duration of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Cancer Patients With Deep Vein Thrombosis

The duration of anticoagulant treatment in cancer patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limbs is still uncertain. The present study addresses the possible role of the Residual Vein Thrombosis (RVT) for establishing the optimal duration of Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH). Patients with a first episode of symptomatic unprovoked or provoked proximal DVT will received LMWHs for 6 months; RVT, ultrasonographically-detected, will be then assessed. Patients without RVT stop LMWH, whereas those with RVT will be randomized to either stop or continue OAT for additional 6 months. Patients were followed-up at least 1 year after anticoagulant discontinuation focusing on the study outcomes: occurrence of recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding