3446 - Fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity in colorectal cancer patients: preliminary data from the prospective observational CHECKPOINT trial (NCT02665312)

Background

Fluoropyrimidines (FP) are the backbone chemotherapy (CT) for colorectal cancer (CRC). Although the most common toxicities have been extensively studied, FP-induced cardiotoxicity (FIC), an infrequent but potentially life-threatening toxicity, still lacks of a comprehensive characterization. The correlation between FIC and known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors remains controversial and based on retrospective observations.

Methods

CRC patients (pts) treated for the first time with FP at Candiolo Cancer Institute have been enrolled since January 2016. All pts were screened for potential CV risk factors; if needed, the treatment of preexisting CV comorbidities was optimized before starting CT. During the first 3 CT cycles, a monitoring with CV symptoms collection, seriated electrocardiograms and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements was performed. Primary objective was to assess the incidence of FIC. Secondary objectives included the analysis of the relationship of FIC with known CV risk factors and BNP levels.

Results

An interim analysis was conducted on 101 pts (65% male, median age 71.6 years). We found high prevalence of CV risk factors (BMI ≥25 54.2%, smoker 50%, heavy drinker 23%, sedentary lifestyle 63.3%) and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus 19.2%, dyslipidemia 34.7%, arterial hypertension 54%, stroke 3%, coronary artery disease 6%, arrhythmias 8%, heart failure 4%). 19 pts (18.8%) experienced FIC: 1 acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 1 coronary vasospasm, 1 paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), 1 complete left bundle branch block (LBBB), 2 syncope, 4 typical chest pain, 6 sudden dyspnea, 3 sudden palpitations. After treatment of the CV events, only 3 pts had to discontinue FP (ACS, LBBB and PSTV). Among symptomatic pts, only 47% had CV comorbidities and/or CV risk factors. BNP levels increased on average by 73% [CI 99%: +39% - +106%] after the first cycle.

Conclusions

A high incidence of CV events, with no apparent correlation with CV comorbidities or risk factors, was observed. Prompt identification and treatment of CV events allowed most pts to complete the treatment with FP.

Clinical trial identification

NCT02665312.

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

M. Aglietta: Advisory / Consultancy: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Advisory / Consultancy: Merck; Advisory / Consultancy: Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.