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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
A Multicenter MRI Protocol for the Evaluation and Quantification of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: June 2, 2015
Apixaban and dalteparin in active malignancy-associated venous thromboembolism: The ADAM VTE trial
Robert D McBane1,2,3, Waldemar E Wysokinski1,2,3, Jennifer G Le-Rademacher4
1Vascular Medicine Division, Gonda Vascular Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Background:
Low-molecular-weight heparin is the guideline-endorsed treatment for cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). While apixaban is approved for the treatment of acute VTE, limited data support its use in cancer patients.
Objectives:
The primary outcome was major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included VTE recurrence and a composite of major plus clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB).
Patients/Methods:
Patients with cancer-associated VTE were randomly assigned to receive either apixaban 10 mg twice daily for seven days followed by 5 mg twice daily for six months or subcutaneous dalteparin (200 IU/kg for one month followed by 150 IU/kg once daily).
Results:
Of 300 patients randomized, 287 were included in the primary analysis. Metastatic disease was present in 66% of subjects; 74% were receiving concurrent chemotherapy. Major bleeding occurred in 0% of 145 patients receiving apixaban, compared with 1.4% of 142 patients receiving dalteparin [P = .138; hazard ratio (HR) not estimable because of 0 bleeding event in apixaban group]. Recurrent VTE occurred in 0.7% of apixaban, compared to 6.3% of dalteparin patients [HR 0.099, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.013-0.780, P = .0281). Major bleeding or CRNMB rates were 6% for both groups.
Conclusions:
Oral apixaban was associated with low major bleeding and VTE recurrence rates for the treatment of VTE in cancer patients.
