[The role of new oral anticoagulants]

New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are going to deeply modify the treatment of non valvular atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic disease. They are non-inferior to warfarin and trials show a similar bleeding rate (even lower for some NOACs). Nevertheless one must be cautious when dealing with patients at risk (elderly patients, frail ones, renal or liver impairment...) and practicians must be well aware of doses and contraindications. NOACs' long- term tolerance is not yet well-known. In cancer, their benefit-risk ratio compared to low molecular weight heparin remains to be determined.