Background: Multiple myeloma (MM), as well as some treatments for MM, increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Prior literature suggests carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) may have a higher incidence of thromboembolic events compared with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd). We aimed to evaluate VTE risk with KRd induction compared to VRd at a large academic medical center in the United States.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with newly diagnosed MM presenting at a single institution. Patients were followed for objectively diagnosed VTE events for 6 months following the start of induction therapy.
Results: A total of 209 patients were included, with 69 (33%) receiving KRd and 140 (67%) receiving VRd. Overall, 18 patients (9%) had a VTE event, with 5 (7%) in the KRd cohort and 13 (9%) in the VRd cohort (P = .80). Treatment with KRd was not associated with an increased risk of VTE compared to VRd (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.26-2.08; P = .57).
Conclusion: In this cohort, KRd was not associated with an increase in VTE risk compared to VRd, contrary to prior literature.
Keywords: Deep vein thrombosis; Myeloma therapy; Pulmonary embolism; Thromboprophylaxis; Thrombosis.
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