Prophylactic low-dose aspirin is effective antithrombotic therapy for combination treatments of thalidomide or lenalidomide in myeloma.

TitleProphylactic low-dose aspirin is effective antithrombotic therapy for combination treatments of thalidomide or lenalidomide in myeloma.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsNiesvizky R, Martínez-Baños D, Jalbrzikowski J, Christos P, Furst J, De Sancho M, Mark T, Pearse R, Mazumdar M, Zafar F, Pekle K, Leonard J, Jayabalan D, Coleman M
JournalLeuk Lymphoma
Volume48
Issue12
Pagination2330-7
Date Published2007 Dec
ISSN1042-8194
KeywordsAdult, Aged, Antineoplastic Agents, Aspirin, Drug Therapy, Combination, Female, Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Multiple Myeloma, Retrospective Studies, Thalidomide, Thrombosis
Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients have a propensity for thromboembolic events (TE), and treatment with thalidomide/dexamethasone or lenalidomide/dexamethasone increases this risk. This report describes the use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg) as primary thromboprophylaxis in three series of MM patients receiving thalidomide or lenalidomide with other drugs. In the first regimen (clarithromycin, thalidomide, dexamethasone), initiation of low-dose aspirin negated the occurrence of any further TE. In a second study, prophylactic aspirin given with thalidomide/dexamethasone resulted in a rate of TE similar to that seen with dexamethasone alone (without aspirin). A third study (n = 72) evaluated thrombosis rates with aspirin and a lenalidomide-containing regimen (clarithromycin, lenalidomide, dexamethasone). Of nine occurrences of thromboembolism, five were associated with aspirin interruption or poor compliance. Low-dose aspirin appears to reduce the incidence of thrombosis with these regimens. Routine use of aspirin as antithrombotic prophylaxis in MM patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs with corticosteroids is warranted.

DOI10.1080/10428190701647887
Alternate JournalLeuk. Lymphoma
PubMed ID18067007
Grant ListCA109260-01 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States