A global expert panel develops an action plan to increase CAT awareness with the support of LEO Pharma

A plan of action to raise awareness of cancer-associated thrombosis amongst healthcare professionals, policy makers, and patients

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a common and costly complication of cancer.^1–3  Unfortunately, it is also one of the leading causes of death in patients with cancer – more than doubling the risk of mortality in this patient population.¹ Patients with CAT also carry an emotional burden due to the potentially life-threatening nature of this condition.⁴

In a global effort to reduce the devastating effects of CAT on patients, an expert steering group developed an action plan that aims to raise the level of awareness amongst healthcare professionals, policy makers, and patients. The long-term goal is to "increase the provision of appropriate information and of prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) to all cancer patients, with the ultimate aim of reducing morbidity and mortality."⁴

The expert panel identified low awareness of the increased risk and impact of thrombosis in patients with cancer as the barrier to be overcome in order to achieve this goal. Dr. Jay Easaw, an oncologist from Edmonton, Alberta and a member of the expert panel, spoke about the challenges CAT presents, "Approximately 17,000 Canadians will develop CAT annually and it will be the cause of more than 2,300 deaths each year. There is a critical need to increase the awareness of CAT as a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality, as well as of increased cost and reduced quality of life…"

In order to help achieve effective patient-centric and multidisciplinary care for CAT, the expert panel identified a 6-step plan of action that outlines high-priority actions intended to increase awareness of CAT within a wide range of stakeholder groups.

The full report can be downloaded here: http://anticoagulationeurope.org/files/files/Cancer-Associated-Thrombosis-White-Paper-2016.pdf

LEO Pharma A/S  has provided financial support, in the form of consultancy and secretarial services, for this report and the meeting that preceded it. The organization of the meeting was carried out independently of this support and the company has not influenced the discussions and conclusions, which reflect, exclusively, the views of the expert panel participants. LEO Pharma A/S, has reviewed the Expert Steering Group's report for factual accuracy only.

LEO Pharma is dedicated to providing patient-centric care through continuous research and working with key stakeholders.

About Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT)
CAT is a significant health and economic burden and a major cause of death in cancer patients. ^{1, 3, 5} Large population-based studies reveal that up to 20% of cancer patients are affected by VTE and that the risk is highest during the first 3 to 6 months following cancer diagnosis.² Additionally, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hospitalization and immobility increase a patient's risk of developing CAT.⁵ Experts cite improved awareness as essential in reducing the clinical burden of CAT.⁵

About Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease that encompasses two serious conditions: deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), in which a blood clot breaks loose from the DVT and travels to the lungs, which can be fatal.

Risk factors for VTE include prolonged immobility, cancer, pregnancy and surgery. Additionally, advancing age and renal insufficiency are both risk factors for VTE.^6,7

About LEO Pharma
LEO Pharma is a global healthcare company that offers care solutions within dermatology and thrombosis to patients in more than 100 countries around the world.

Founded in 1908 and owned by the LEO Foundation, LEO Pharma has devoted decades of research and development to delivering products and solutions to people with skin conditions and thrombosis.

LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark and employs around 5,000 people worldwide.

For more information, visit www.leo-pharma.ca
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References

1. Khorana AA, Francis CW, Culakova E, et al. J Thromb Haemost. 2007;5:632–634.
2. Khorana AA, Dalal M, Lin J, et al. Cancer 2013;119:648–655.
3. Lipp R, et al. Economic burden of cancer-associated thrombosis in Germany – Findings and extrapolation. Poster 3566.
4. Hunter R, Lewis S, Noble S, et al. Br J Health Psychol. 2016 [epub Sep 9]
5. Cancer-Associated Thrombosis (CAT), a neglected cause of cancer death: Actions needed to increase health outcomes and reduce mortality. Report of an Expert Steering Group, released October 13, 2016.   
6. Deng A, Galanis T and M Graham. Hosp Pract 2014;42:24-33.
7. Martinelli I, Thromb Haemost 2001;86:395-403.

SOURCE LEO Pharma

www.leo-pharma.ca