Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
09:44
Pretargeted Radioimmunotherapy Based on the Inverse Electron Demand Diels-Alder Reaction
Published on: January 29, 2019
10.3K
QT Prolongation in Cancer Patients
Peter Kim1, Luke Masha1,2, Amanda Olson1
1Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|March 15, 2021
Summary
Cancer patients exhibit significantly longer QT intervals (QTc) compared to non-cancer individuals. This prolonged QTc, particularly in inpatients, may be linked to common medications like antiemetics and analgesics.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- QT prolongation and torsades de pointes are critical concerns in cancer patient care.
- Previous studies have not extensively evaluated QT interval prolongation in large cancer populations.
- This research addresses the need to understand QT interval distribution in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the QT interval distribution in a large cancer patient cohort.
- To compare QT intervals between cancer patients and a non-cancer control group.
- To identify potential factors contributing to QT prolongation in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 82,410 ECGs from cancer patients and 775 from stem cell donors (2009-2013).
- Inclusion of pharmacy prescription data for medication analysis.
- Application of Bazett and Fridericia formulas for heart rate correction of QT intervals.
Main Results:
- Cancer patients showed significantly longer mean and 99th percentile corrected QT intervals (QTcF) (414 ms and 473 ms) compared to controls (407 ms and 458 ms).
- QTc intervals were notably longer in cancer inpatients versus outpatients or emergency center patients.
- Ondansetron and methadone were the most frequently prescribed QT-prolonging medications.
Conclusions:
- Cancer patients exhibit significantly prolonged QTc intervals, especially those admitted as inpatients.
- Commonly prescribed medications, including antiemetics and analgesics, may play a role in observed QT prolongation.
- Further investigation into medication effects on cardiac intervals in cancer patients is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
8.1K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.1K
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.5K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.5K
02:49Cancer Therapies
8.9K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
8.9K
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
5.6K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.6K