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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Cancer Associated Thrombosis Research in Rodent Models
Published on: January 5, 2024
Towards an emerging role for anticoagulants in cancer therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Huda Moutaz Asmael Al-Azzawi1, Syed Ameer Hamza1, Rita Paolini1
1Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
Background:
Anticoagulants, renowned for their role in preventing blood clot formation, have captivated researchers' attention for the exploitation of their potential to inhibit cancer in pre-clinical models.
Objectives:
To undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of anticoagulants in murine cancer research models. Further, to present a reference tool for anticoagulant therapeutic modalities relating to future animal pre-clinical models of cancer and their translation into the clinic.
Methods:
Four databases were utilized including Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Web of science, and Scopus databases. We included studies relating to any cancer conducted in murine models that assessed the effect of traditional anticoagulants (heparin and its derivatives and warfarin) and newer oral anticoagulants on cancer.
Results:
A total of 6,158 articles were identified in an initial multi-database search. A total of 157 records were finally included for data extraction. Studies on heparin species and warfarin demonstrated statistically significant results in favour of tumour growth and metastasis inhibition.
Conclusion:
Our findings constitute a valuable reference guide for the application of anticoagulants in cancer research and explore the promising utilization of non-anticoagulants heparin in preclinical cancer research.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO [CRD42024555603].
Insights
Anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin show promise in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in preclinical cancer models. This review provides a reference for their application in future cancer research and clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Anticoagulants are known for preventing blood clots.
- Researchers are exploring their potential to inhibit cancer in preclinical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of anticoagulants in murine cancer models.
- To create a reference tool for anticoagulant therapies in preclinical cancer research and clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
- Searched four databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus.
- Included studies on traditional (heparin, warfarin) and newer oral anticoagulants in murine cancer models.
Main Results:
- 157 studies were included from an initial 6,158 articles.
- Heparin and warfarin demonstrated statistically significant inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer a valuable reference for applying anticoagulants in cancer research.
- Highlights the potential of non-anticoagulant heparin in preclinical cancer research.
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