Background: Experimental and clinical findings suggest that low molecular-weight heparins may improve overall survival in patients with cancer. The evidence is still limited and additional studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Methods: Patients with completely resected stage I, II or IIIA (T3N1) histologically confirmed non-small-cell lung cancer will be included in a prospective, controlled, randomized, multicenter open trial. Patients in the control group will receive usual postoperative care including chemotherapy when indicated. Patients in the experimental group will receive tinzaparin given subcutaneously as a daily 100 IU/kg dose for 90 days along with usual postoperative care. Patients will be followed-up for three to eight years. Main end-point is the overall survival. Five hundred and fifty patients are needed to demonstrate a 10% absolute increase in survival in the experimental group.
Expected results: A 10% absolute increase in the survival rate is expected in the patients receiving tinzaparin.
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