Vascular events in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Neil P. Monaghan, Kelsey A. Duckett, Shaun A. Nguyen, Jason G. Newman, W. Greer Albergotti, Alexandra E. Kejner - Otorhinolaryngology
Abstract
Objective
To assess the incidence of vascular events in patients with head and neck cancer.
Review Methods
Primary studies identified through April 2023. Meta‐analysis was performed.
Results
There were 146 studies included in the systematic review. Rates of events were collected in the overall group, those with chemoprophylaxis, and those that underwent surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Of 1 184 160 patients, 4.3% had a vascular event. Radiation therapy had highest risk of overall events and stroke when compared to surgery and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy had a higher risk of stroke and overall events when compared to surgery.
Conclusions
Vascular events occur in 4%–5% of patients with head and neck cancer. Our data does not support the use of routine anticoagulation. Patients undergoing radiation therapy had the highest frequency of events.