TITLE:
Incidence of Venous Thromboembolic Events in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
AUTHORS:
Basma Aabboub, Abir Oufrid, Lamiae Amaadour, Karima Oualla, Zineb Benbrahim, Samia Arifi, Nawfel Mellas
KEYWORDS:
Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Venous Thromboembolism, Palliative Chemotherapy, Incidence
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.16 No.12,
December
4,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is strongly associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma receiving palliative chemotherapy at the Medical Oncology Department, Hassan II University Hospital, Fez. Methods: Retrospective cohort including 67 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine from January 2021 to December 2023. Patients with prior VTE or on anticoagulation were excluded. Cumulative incidence of VTE was estimated considering death as a competing risk. Results: Mean age 63.5 years; male-to-female ratio 4:1. Tumors were mainly in the pancreatic head (65%). At follow-up, 46 patients had died, 6 were lost to follow-up, and 15 were alive. VTE occurred in 28 patients (41.8%): isolated DVT 42.9%, isolated PE 35.7%, combined PE + DVT 21.4%. Cumulative incidence was 26.9% at 12 months and 38.8% at 36 months, with most events occurring during the first year. Conclusion: VTE is common and occurs early in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma under palliative chemotherapy, highlighting the need for appropriate prophylactic strategies.