Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Melanoma Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly used for melanoma treatment.
• Cardiovascular adverse events are a potential concern with ICI therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with melanoma following the initiation of ICIs.

Main Methods:

• A before-and-after cohort study was conducted using deidentified claims data.
• Adult patients with melanoma receiving ICIs between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed.
• MACEs were identified using ICD codes, and incidence rates and hazard ratios were calculated.

Main Results:

• The study included 4024 patients with ICI-treated melanoma.
• The incidence of MACE increased from 56.16 per 1000 person-years before ICI to 80.91 per 1000 person-years after ICI (IRR, 1.44).
• The hazard ratio for MACE after ICI initiation was 1.76, indicating a significantly increased risk.

Conclusions:

• ICIs may increase the risk of MACE in melanoma patients within the first year of treatment.
• Prior MACE, cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, and older age were identified as risk factors for MACE after ICI.
• Close cardiovascular monitoring is warranted for melanoma patients undergoing ICI therapy.