Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41638873›Full record

SynthesisJournal for immunotherapy of cancer2026

Synergistic effects of anticoagulants and platelet aggregation inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy: a comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical evidence.

Julian Kött, Nina Matthes, Alexander T Bauer, Noah Zimmermann, Tim Zell, Daniel J Smit, Stefan W Schneider, Christoffer Gebhardt

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal for immunotherapy of cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Julian KöttDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany j.koett@uke.de.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2073-3909
Nina MatthesDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Alexander T BauerDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Noah ZimmermannDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Tim ZellDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Daniel J SmitFleur Hiege Center of Skin Cancer Research, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3190-9511
Stefan W SchneiderDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Christoffer GebhardtDermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7090-9584

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe rapidly advancing field of cancer therapy has sparked growing interest in the potential synergy between anticoagulation and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Recent research highlights that anticoagulants, traditionally used for thromboprophylaxis and managing thromboembolic events, may also exhibit immunomodulatory properties. These properties can influence the tumor microenvironment by promoting immune cell infiltration, enhancing antitumor immune responses, and potentially reducing metastasis. This emerging evidence underscores the complex interplay between coagulation pathways and immune regulation, paving the way for further exploration of the clinical benefits of combining anticoagulation with ICI therapy.

methodsA systematic review was conducted to synthesize the current evidence on the interplay between anticoagulation and ICI. Relevant studies examining their mechanisms of action, clinical outcomes, and potential interactions were identified and analyzed. Comprehensive database searches were performed to ensure a thorough and inclusive review of the literature.

resultsPreclinical studies consistently show that combining ICIs with anticoagulants can enhance cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. In particular, low molecular weight heparin, oral factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors, and platelet inhibitors have demonstrated synergistic effects with ICI. However, these findings have not been consistently replicated in clinical settings. While two retrospective studies reported no significant impact of anticoagulants on ICI efficacy, one retrospective study found improved outcomes in advanced melanoma patients treated with ICI and FXa inhibitors. Additionally, another retrospective study revealed a significant association between platelet aggregation inhibition and extended progression-free survival.

conclusionsOur literature review underscores the intricate relationship between anticoagulation and ICIs in cancer therapy. Future studies should prioritize exploring the interactions between ICI, FXa inhibitors, and antiplatelet agents.

Indexed as

AnticoagulantsImmune Checkpoint InhibitorsNeoplasmsPlatelet Aggregation InhibitorsAnimalsDrug SynergismHumansAnticoagulantsImmune Checkpoint InhibitorsPlatelet Aggregation InhibitorsImmune Checkpoint InhibitorsImmunotherapyThrombosis

Identifiers

PMID41638873
PMCPMC12878502

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.