Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Monitoring PD-1-Blocking Antibodies Bound to T Cells Derived from a Drop of Peripheral Blood
Published on: February 5, 2020
Assessing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
María Torrente1,2, Mariola Blanco1, Fabio Franco1
1Department of Medical Oncology, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, despite their excellent therapeutic effect, these medications typically result in a broad spectrum of toxicity reactions. Immune-related cardiotoxicity is uncommon but can be potentially fatal, and its true incidence is underestimated in clinical trials. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence and identify risk factors for developing a cardiac event in patients treated with ICIs.
Methods:
We conducted a single-institution retrospective study, including patients treated with ICIs in our center. The main outcomes were cardiac events (CE) and cardiovascular death.
Results:
A total of 378 patients were analyzed. The incidence of CE was 16.7%, during a median follow-up of 50.5 months. The multivariable analysis showed that age, a history of arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease, and prior immune-related adverse events were significantly associated with CE.
Conclusion:
CE during ICI treatment are more common than currently appreciated. A complete initial cardiovascular evaluation is recommended, especially in high-risk patients, being necessary a multidisciplinary approach of a specialized cardio-oncology team.
Insights
Cardiac events (CE) from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are more common than previously thought. Risk factors include age, prior heart conditions, and previous immune-related adverse events, necessitating proactive cardiac evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy.
- ICIs can cause immune-related adverse events, including potentially fatal cardiotoxicity.
- The incidence of ICI-related cardiotoxicity is likely underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of cardiac events in patients receiving ICIs.
- To identify risk factors associated with ICI-induced cardiotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-institution study.
- Analysis of 378 patients treated with ICIs.
- Primary outcomes: cardiac events and cardiovascular death.
Main Results:
- The incidence of cardiac events was 16.7% over a median follow-up of 50.5 months.
- Significant risk factors for cardiac events included older age, history of arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease, and prior immune-related adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac events during ICI therapy are more frequent than recognized.
- Pre-treatment cardiovascular assessment is crucial, particularly for high-risk individuals.
- A multidisciplinary cardio-oncology approach is recommended for managing ICI-related cardiotoxicity.
More Related Videos
09:34Dynamic Imaging of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells with [18F]Tetrafluoroborate Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Published on: February 17, 2022
06:08Assessment of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell-Associated Toxicities Using an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient-Derived Xenograft Mouse Model
Published on: February 10, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management