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Published on: September 18, 2013
TropicALL study: Thromboprophylaxis in Children treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Low-molecular-weight
Irene L M Klaassen1,2, Mandy N Lauw2,3, Marianne D van de Wetering4
1Department of Pediatric Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
This randomized trial investigates if low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prevents venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving asparaginase. Results will guide VTE prophylaxis during ALL treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant complication in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, often linked to asparaginase.
- Previous studies suggest low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis reduces VTE risk with minimal bleeding.
- A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm LMWH efficacy in pediatric ALL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LMWH thromboprophylaxis versus no prophylaxis in children with ALL.
- To determine the impact of LMWH on VTE incidence during asparaginase treatment.
- To assess bleeding risks associated with LMWH in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, randomized controlled open-label trial (TropicALL) in the Netherlands.
- Patients aged 1-19 with primary ALL randomized to LMWH (85 IU/kg daily) or no prophylaxis during asparaginase therapy.
- Primary endpoint: symptomatic VTE; secondary endpoints: overall survival, asymptomatic VTE, and bleeding events. Sample size: 324 patients.
Main Results:
- This section is not available in the provided abstract.
- Further analysis is required to present the main results.
- The study is designed to detect a 75% relative risk reduction in VTE.
Conclusions:
- This trial represents the first randomized assessment of LMWH thromboprophylaxis during asparaginase treatment for pediatric ALL.
- Findings will provide crucial evidence for optimizing VTE prevention strategies in children undergoing ALL therapy.
- The study aims to establish a new standard of care for VTE prophylaxis in this vulnerable group.
Background:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and severe complication during treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). An important cause is the intensive use of asparaginase. Prospective cohort studies in which prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was used to prevent VTE showed lower VTE risk than in historic control cohorts, with a negligible bleeding risk. However, the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis with LMWH during ALL treatment has never been investigated in a randomized design. Here, we present the protocol of a randomized controlled trial in which the efficacy and safety of thromboprophylaxis with high prophylactic dose LMWH versus no thromboprophylaxis will be assessed in children treated for primary ALL with asparaginase.
Methods/Design:
Thromboprophylaxis in Children treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Low-molecular-weight heparin (TropicALL) is a multicenter, randomized controlled open-label trial conducted in the Netherlands. Patients between 1 and 19 years of age with primary ALL, who are treated within the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) ALL-11 or 12 study will be randomized to thromboprophylaxis with LMWH once daily, (dose of 85 IU/kg (intervention arm A)), or to no thromboprophylaxis (arm B, standard of care) during asparaginase courses of ALL treatment. Primary efficacy endpoint is symptomatic objectified VTE during ALL treatment; secondary efficacy endpoints are overall survival and the composite of symptomatic and asymptomatic objectified VTE. Primary safety endpoints are major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding and minor bleeding. A total of 324 patients will be included to obtain a relative risk reduction of 75% with a power of 80%, using a two-sided test with significance level α = 0.05.
Discussion:
This trial will be the first to assess efficacy and safety of thromboprophylaxis with LMWH during asparaginase treatment for ALL in children in a randomized design.
Trail Registration:
Nederlands Trial Register NTR4707 . Registered 30 July 2014.
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