Considerations for pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis following inpatient brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies

Brachytherapy. 2023 Sep-Oct;22(5):630-639. doi: 10.1016/j.brachy.2023.06.002. Epub 2023 Jun 30.

Abstract

Purpose: Brachytherapy irradiation carries risks of both bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE). No screening or management recommendations for VTE in this setting have been developed. Our study aims to understand the incidence of VTE, compile published anticoagulation guidelines, and call for future guidelines to address thromboprophylaxis in this population.

Methods and materials: A retrospective, single institution study of patients undergoing brachytherapy irradiation between 2012 and 2022 was undertaken. We analyzed 2 cohorts: 87 patients undergoing brachytherapy with an inpatient admission, and 66 patients assessed for risk of VTE or bleeding after discharge from an inpatient admission for brachytherapy. Caprini risk scores were calculated for each patient, and statistical analyses were performed.

Results: Eighty-seven patients were included, and 25% had a VTE diagnosis. Forty-seven (54%) of patients included underwent brachytherapy as definitive treatment of cervical cancer, and 16 (18%) received brachytherapy irradiation to treat recurrent endometrial cancer. In the cohort of 66 patients assessed for risk of VTE or bleeding after brachytherapy discharge, 23 (34.8%) were discharged with thromboprophylaxis, and 43 (65.2%) were discharged without thromboprophylaxis. None of the patients discharged on thromboprophylaxis were diagnosed with a VTE within 90 days of discharge after brachytherapy, whereas 3 of 43 (7%) discharged without thromboprophylaxis were diagnosed with a VTE, OR and 95% CI: 0.25 (0.01-5.29), p = 0.37. Of the 23 patients discharged on thromboprophylaxis, 1 was readmitted for bleeding OR and 95% CI: 5.8 (0.22-155.18), p = 0.29. The median Caprini score was 11.

Conclusions: VTE is a common occurrence in patients undergoing brachytherapy. Patients undergoing brachytherapy irradiation who require inpatient admission represent a unique population, and specialty organizations should develop consensus recommendations to address these clinical challenges.

Keywords: Anticoagulation; Cervical cancer; Gynecologic malignancies; Interstitial brachytherapy; Pharmacologic prophylaxis; Venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Brachytherapy* / methods
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / radiotherapy
  • Hemorrhage
  • Humans
  • Inpatients
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / drug therapy
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / epidemiology
  • Venous Thromboembolism* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anticoagulants