Patient (Pt) Understanding Of Venous Thromboembolism (Vte) Risks Associated With Lenalidomide (Len) And Thalidomide (Thal), Previous Clots, And Current Prophylaxis.

e16512 Background: PTs takingLen and Thal alone or in combination with high dose dexamethasone are at risk for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). PT and provider awareness of VTE and optimal means of prevention is relatively unknown. This ongoing cross-sectional survey assessed the following objectives: 1) PT understanding of VTE risk associated with Len and Thal, 2) previous history of VTE among these PTs, and 3) current prophylaxis. Methods: A novel collaboration was developed between the specialty service demonstration outpatient pharmacy site (Walgreens Pharmacy) at Northwestern, and the Research on Adverse Drug Events and Reports (RADAR) team. A survey was developed and administered to PTs who filled a prescription for Len or Thal between July 2009 and December 2009. This pharmacy is the primary on-site location for outpatient prescriptions associated with the NCI-designated Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern. Results: A total of 23 PTs met eligibility requirements; 74% consented (14 = Len, 3 = Thal). Indications included: multiple myeloma (12), myelodysplastic syndrome (3), plasma cell lymphoma (1) and unspecified (1). Mean age= 64 (95% CI 59-70), 71% male. The proportion indicating awareness of increased clot risk while on Len or Thal was 82% (57%-96%). However, only 47% reported physician recommendation of prophylaxis and only 3 were on low molecular weight heparin or warfarin. The majority of PTs with prophylaxis were on aspirin alone (5/8). Three PTs reported history of clots (DVT = 1, PE = 1, PE and DVT = 1); all of these reported no current prophylaxis. Conclusions: In this patient subset, there is a significant discordance between PT-physician awareness of VTE risk and VTE prophylaxis. Althoughthemajority of PTs were aware of increased clot risk, less than half reported physician recommendation of prophylaxis. Further work to identify new thrombosis incidence and optimal means of prophylaxis is needed. If prophylaxis options prove to be effective, both patient education and provider awareness stand as areas of potential improvement. No significant financial relationships to disclose.