QTc prolongation risk among patients receiving oral targeted antineoplastic medications: A real-world community-based...

Thirty oral targeted antineoplastic agents are associated with prolongation of the QT interval. However, limited data exists regarding QTc prolongation and associated risk factors in the ambulatory oncology setting.

This retrospective study was completed to describe QTc prolongation incidence among patients receiving oral targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and identify potential risk factors in the ambulatory community-based oncology clinic.

Of the 341 patients identified as receiving oral TKI, 49 with a baseline and follow-up ECG were included. The incidence of QTc prolongation (QTc > 470 ms in males, QTc > 480 ms in females, or >20 ms increase in QTc from baseline) was 24%. Three patients developed significant QTc prolongation (QTc >500 ms or >60 ms increase in QTc from baseline). No patients discontinued therapy primarily due to QTc prolongation or experienced symptomatic torsades de pointes. Analysis of risk factors demonstrated that patients with QTc prolongation were more likely to receive concomitant therapy with a loop diuretic (41% vs 11%, respectively, p=0.029).

The frequency of QTc prolongation may be higher in the real-world setting than that observed in clinical trials; however, continuation of therapy may be possible. Patients receiving concomitant loop diuretics should be monitored more closely for QTc prolongation and electrolyte abnormalities.