Reduced-Dose Versus Full-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Extended Secondary Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

Abstract

Patients with cancer are at high risk for both recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and anticoagulant-associated bleeding. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have become a standard option for long-term VTE management; however, the safety and efficacy of reduced-dose regimens in cancer populations remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing reduced-dose versus full-dose DOACs in adult patients with active cancer and prior VTE who had completed at least 6 months of therapeutic anticoagulation. Embase and MEDLINE were searched from inception through April 1, 2025. Primary outcomes were recurrent VTE and a composite of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Three RCTs including 2178 patients were eligible. There was no significant difference in recurrent VTE between reduced-dose and full-dose apixaban or rivaroxaban (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.10-7.83; I2 = 0%). The composite bleeding risk was numerically lower with reduced-dose DOACs (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.55-1.06; p = 0.07; I2 = 0%). In a subgroup analysis of cancer-only trials (API-CAT and EVE; n = 2126), reduced-dose apixaban significantly reduced the risk of clinically relevant bleeding (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60-0.99; p = 0.05) without increasing VTE recurrence. Reduced-dose apixaban or rivaroxaban offers comparable efficacy to full-dose regimens for extended secondary VTE prophylaxis in cancer patients, with a potential reduction in clinically relevant bleeding. These findings support consideration of dose de-escalation in select patients with active cancer.