Dual Antiplatelet Therapy and Cancer; Balancing between Ischemic and Bleeding Risk: A Narrative Review

Cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with cancer can be caused by concomitant CV risk factors, cancer itself, and anticancer therapy. Since malignancy can dysregulate the hemostatic system, predisposing cancer patients to both thrombosis and hemorrhage, the administration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to patients with cancer who suffer from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a clinical challenge to cardiologists. Apart from PCI and ACS, other structural interventions, such as TAVR, PFO-ASD closure, and LAA occlusion, and non-cardiac diseases, such as PAD and CVAs, may require DAPT. The aim of the present review is to review the current literature on the optimal antiplatelet therapy and duration of DAPT for oncologic patients, in order to reduce both the ischemic and bleeding risk in this high-risk population.

Automated summary

Cardiovascular events in cancer patients can be caused by various factors, including risk factors, cancer itself, and anticancer therapy. Administering dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to cancer patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a challenge to cardiologists. This review aims to explore the optimal antiplatelet therapy and duration of DAPT in order to reduce ischemic and bleeding risk in this high-risk population.