Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Associated With Targeted Treatment of Lymphoma

Lymphoma treatment may be associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), especially among patients treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi).

The authors sought to assess the risk of new-onset AF, AF risk factors, and the impact of AF on mortality in patients with lymphoma and no history of AF.

The University of Rochester Medical Center Lymphoma Database was used to identify patients. The primary outcome was any AF episode identified using the International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision codes. Multivariable Cox regression was used to assess the risk of AF through the use of a time-dependent covariate for treatment overall as well as separate time-varying measures of BTKi (mainly ibrutinib) and non-BTKi treatment. The relative risk of all-cause mortality was determined using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Among 1,957 lymphoma patients, the rate of AF at 5-years following initiation of BTKi treatment was higher (25%) compared to those receiving non-BTKi therapy (8%), and those receiving no treatment (4%). Multivariable analysis showed that BTKi treatment was associated with pronounced increased risk for AF compared to no treatment (HR: 5.07 [95% CI: 2.88-8.90; P < 0.001]). Non-BTKi treatment was associated with an increased risk of AF compared to no treatment (HR: 1.82 [95% CI: 1.14-2.89; P = 0.012]). Risk factors for the development of AF included age ≥64 years, male sex, hypertension, and lymphoma treatment. New AF was associated with an increased risk for subsequent mortality (HR: 3.71 [95% CI: 2.59-5.31]).

Patients undergoing lymphoma treatment, especially those with high-risk features, may benefit from AF surveillance.