Thrombosis Research Program

The introduction of a research program within the Niagara Health Thrombosis Service was simply the next step in developing this community-based clinic. Recently, the clinic was awarded a grant from Ottawa Health Research Institute (OHRI) that ultimately enabled the growth of the program and facilitated participation in a number of clinical trials. Many patients that require anticoagulation are treated at community centres, such as Thrombosis Service, however the majority of trials take place at large academic institutions. The Thrombosis Research Program provides an active site for both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials, partnering with sites all around the world. The ability to offer patients enrollment in these studies provides unique access to novel therapeutics and treatment strategies they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. This is especially true for trials involving therapeutics that aren’t currently available on the market. NHS gains unique access to these drugs with the goal of contributing to treatment evidence and improving patient care. 

The thrombosis research team has previously participated in COACHeD study, which tested whether a focused medication management plan, with in-person consultations and virtual follow-up visits, prevented anticoagulation-related adverse events for patients transitioning from hospital to home. The team is now actively participating in four clinical trials, each incorporating unique patient populations. Each study involves a unique approach to treating thrombosis-related conditions. The SAVER study aims to treat recurrent VTE and PTS with the addition of a statin to regular anticoagulation therapy. The TRIM-Line trial is addressing thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban to prevent VTE in cancer patients who require a central venous catheter (CVC). Aster and Magnolia are two trials investigating the effects of novel Factor XI inhibitors on VTE and bleeding events in patients with cancer and recently diagnosed VTE. The Thrombosis Service aims to be involved in a diverse array of clinical trials, addressing numerous conditions requiring anticoagulation, as these studies represent the kind of patients seen in the clinic on a daily basis. The research program serves to connect many disciplines with Niagara Health, harmonizing partnerships with internal departments such as oncology, cardiology, and the emergency department for support in identifying and recruiting eligible participants.

Dr. Blair Leonard,
Physician Lead

Kailee Morrison,
Research Coordinator