Real-world burden of cardiovascular events after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for any cancer type

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy but can cause severe cardiotoxicity. Retrospective analysis of Optum’s de-identified Market Clarity Database investigated the real-world burden of cardiovascular events after ICI therapy. The authors identified 29,503 patients receiving ICI therapy for any cancer type with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Among these patients, 27.6% experienced cardiovascular events (myocarditis, arrhytmias, LVEF < 50%) during the follow-up period of two years. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions who were receiving cardioprotective treatment prior to ICI therapy had an increased risk of cardiovascular events (35% versus 20%; p<0.001). Patients who experienced a cardiovascular event had a higher mortality rate (39% versus 25.4%; pxtagstartz0.001). Elevated troponin and NT-proBNP levels were associated with increased mortality (p<0.001). The authors conclude that cardiovascular events are frequent in ICI-treated patients, particularly in those with pre-existing cardiac conditions. Elevated troponin and NT-proBNP levels may serve as useful biomarkers for predicting anticipated post-ICI cardiovascular events (p<0.001).