In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate atrial fibrillation as a side effect of ibrutinib (imbruvica) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
This study concluded that atrial fibrillation is a common side effect associated with ibrutinib use in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Some background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) affects types of white blood cells called lymphocytes. Abnormal lymphocytes build up in the blood, leaving less room for the healthy blood cells needed for different functions in the body like fighting infection, blood clotting and transporting oxygen.
Ibrutinib is one treatment that can be used for CLL. Ibrutinib is a treatment that blocks a signal that keeps the CLL cells alive. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a side effect that is seen in CLL patients who are treated with ibrutinib. Atrial fibrillation is a heart related side effect that involves irregular and rapid heart beating.
The rate of occurrence and risk factors for AF in CLL patients were not known.
Methods & findings
This study involved data from 1505 patients who had taken part in previous studies examining ibrutinib. Patients in these trials were treated with ibrutinib or a control (another therapy or a placebo – a treatment with no active effect).
6.5% of patients from the ibrutinib group reported AF after a follow up of 16.6 months. This was compared to 1.6% of those who received the control substance.
At a 36 month follow up the incidence of AF was 10.4% for patients treated with ibrutinib.
The risk factors for developing AF were treatment with ibrutinib, prior history of AF and being aged 65 or over.
44.9% of patients with AF being treated with ibrutinib had multiple AF events. This was compared to 16.7% of patients who had AF and were not treated with ibrutinib.
85.7% of patients with AF did not stop taking ibrutinib.
The bottom line
This study concluded that AF is a side effect associated with ibrutinib, but is manageable without stopping ibrutinib treatment.
The fine print
Further studies focusing on this matter should be carried out.
What’s next?
Consult your physician about ibrutinib as a treatment option.
Published By :
Haematologica
Date :
Jul 27, 2017
