A feasibility randomised controlled trial assessing the use of platelet transfusions versus modified dose anticoagulation in patients with thrombocytopaenia and cancer-associated Thrombosis receiving anticoagulation (START UK)

Research summary

Study type Multicentre,non-blinded,feasibility randomised controlled trial Aim Feasibility study to assess feasibility of progressing to a full scale trial to evaluate strategies for platelet transfusion in participants with thrombocytopaenia and cancer associated thrombus (CAT) receiving anticoagulation Primary objective To determine the feasibility of designing and recruiting to a full RCT of management in participants with acute cancer-associated thrombosis (developed within 14 days) and thrombocytopaenia. Secondary objectives To determine: • Additional feasibility measures,such as recruitment rate,reasons for non participation in eligible participants and withdrawal rates and participation barriers for the full RCT. • The duration of thrombocytopaenia (days of platelet count < 25 x109/L or 50 x109/L) per participant • Number of transfused platelets and red cell units per participant • Feasibility of follow up for collection of Health-related quality of life data using EuroQoL-EQ-5D-5L questionnaire Trial design Patients will be randomised to one of the following two treatment arms and followed up for 30+/-3 days: 1. Study arm without platelet transfusion: modified dose Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) without platelet transfusion I. Platelet count 25-50 x109/L: 50% dose LMWH II. Platelet count <25x109/L: hold anticoagulation 2. Study arm with platelet transfusion: platelet transfusion support will be given for 14 days when platelet count is <50 x109/L,along with a higher dose of LMWH after transfusion: I. Pre-transfusion platelet count 25-50 x109/L: 100% dose LMWH II. Pre-transfusion platelet count <25 x109/L: 50% dose LMWH

Principal Investigator

Dalia Khan

Contact us

Email: christopher.deane@ouh.nhs.uk

IRAS number

334585