Low-Dose Edoxaban prevents stroke in elderly AF patients without bleeding risk: NEJM

Japan: A once-daily low dose (15mg) of anticancer drug edoxaban may prevent stroke or systemic embolism without increasing the risk of major bleeding in patients 80 years and above with atrial fibrillation.

The recent ELDERCARE-AF trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that edoxaban was superior to placebo in preventing systemic embolism or stroke in very elderly Japanese patients having nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who were not suitable for standard doses of oral anticoagulant. 

ENDOXAN is used in the treatment of various types of cancer. It can also be used in some diseases of the immune system, and to prevent rejection of organ transplants.

Owing to the concerns of bleeding in very elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, the implementation of appropriate oral anticoagulant treatment for stroke prevention becomes challenging. Keeping this in mind, Ken Okumura, Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan, and colleagues conducted a phase 3 study to compare the once-daily 15-mg dose of edoxaban with placebo in patients (≥80 years of age) with atrial fibrillation who were not considered appropriate for receiving oral anticoagulant therapy at doses approved for stroke prevention.