Risk of arterial and venous thrombotic events among patients with cancer diagnosed with COVID-19: A real-world data analysis

Aim

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis events (ATE) and potential corresponding risk factors were assessed in patients with cancer diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods

Adults with cancer treated in community health systems who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020 were evaluated for absolute risk (risk) of ATE and VTE. Thrombotic events were ascertained in the 90-day window starting with COVID-19 diagnosis (index). ICD codes defined baseline comorbidities, COVID-19, and thrombotic events.

Results

7591 patients were included with median age of 67, 6% with cardiovascular disease (CVD), 4% with prior VTE, and 24% were hospitalized at index. Risk of ATE and VTE were 2.1% (95%CI: 1.8, 2.5) and 3.2% (95%CI: 2.8, 3.6), respectively. Patients with CVD had increased risk [ATE: 20.1% (95%CI: 16.7, 24.1); VTE: 4.9% (95%CI: 3.3, 7.3)] as did patients with prior VTE [ATE: 3.8% (95%CI: 2.2, 6.6; VTE: 20.5% (95%CI: 16.4, 25.3)] and patients hospitalized with ventilator support [(ATE: 5.7% (95%CI: 2.6, 11.8; VTE: 6.6% (95%CI: 3.2, 13.0)]. Incidence rates for ATE and VTE were 0.094 and 0.141 per person-year, respectively.

Conclusions

This study of cancer patients, conducted in a time period prior to vaccine availability, found patients with CVD, prior VTE, and with higher severity of COVID-19 were at increased risk for ATE and VTE. Identifying patients most at risk can help to target interventions.