Approach to Contemporary Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management of Thrombotic Complications in Multiple Myeloma

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic complications, which remains substantial despite the implementation of thromboprophylaxis. The procoagulant state that characterizes the disease is multifactorial, and a greater understanding of the underlying pathophysiology is required to inform appropriate thrombosis prevention. Currently, there is a shift towards using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in this setting; head-to-head comparisons in the context of controlled clinical trials between class agents are still missing. MM-specific VTE risk assessment scores have been developed to optimize management and minimize the associated mortality/morbidity. Their clinical utility remains to be evaluated. The value of adding biomarkers to clinical scores to optimize their performance and increase their discriminatory power is also under assessment.