Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (thrombomodulin alfa) to treat disseminated intravascular coagulation in solid tumors: results of a one-arm prospective trial

Bvackground Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with solid tumors (DIC-ST) is often encountered in clinical practice. Patients with DIC-ST are usually in poor condition and have bleeding diathesis due to advanced or metastatic diseases. Although some affected patients are treated with heparin, this strategy has not been prospectively studied. Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (thrombomodulin alfa, TM-alpha) is a new anticoagulant developed in Japan. We conducted a prospective study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of TM-alpha in patients with DIC-ST. Methods A prospective one-arm study with TM-alpha was conducted for DIC-ST. TM-alpha (380 U/kg) was given for 30 min intravenously once daily for 6-14 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was the DIC resolution rate. Change in DIC scores and improvement in bleeding symptoms and outcomes were also evaluated. Safety endpoints included the incidence of bleeding-related adverse events. Results A total of 101 patients were treated with TM-alpha. The three main underlying malignant diseases were lung, stomach, and breast cancer, which accounted for 60 % of all patients. The DIC resolution rate was 34.0 % at the end of TM-alpha treatment. Improvement in DIC scores was seen in 55.2 % of patients, while only 22.9 % of patients had worsening of DIC scores. The overall survival rate was 55.4 % on day 28. The incidence of hemorrhage related to TM-alpha was 12.9 % until day 28. Cases of severe hemorrhage related to TM-alpha did not occur. Conclusions TM-alpha is effective and safe for DIC-ST. This agent is the treatment of choice for the management of DIC-ST.