Long-Term Administration of Multikinase Inhibitors Is a Potential Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis in Patients with...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFIs) are vital cancer treatments inhibiting angiogenesis.
• VEGFIs may promote atherosclerosis in normal vessels, but clinical significance remains unclear.
• This study investigates atherosclerosis development with long-term multikinase inhibitor (MKI) use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if long-term multikinase inhibitor (MKI) administration promotes atherosclerosis in thyroid cancer patients.
• To assess the association between MKI use and the appearance of new atherosclerotic plaques.
• To evaluate the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in MKI-treated patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 63 thyroid cancer patients, comparing 39 on long-term MKIs (>1 year) with 24 controls.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to assess vessel walls and new plaque formation.
• Medical records were reviewed for new-onset MACE during the observation period.

Main Results:

• New atherosclerotic plaques developed in 44% of MKI patients versus 0% in controls over a median 43-month follow-up.
• MKI administration was the sole independent predictor of new plaque appearance.
• The carotid artery was the most common site for new plaques; two MKI patients experienced MACE.

Conclusions:

• Multikinase inhibitor (MKI) administration appears to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in thyroid cancer patients.
• Long-term MKI therapy necessitates monitoring for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular complications.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and clinical impact.