QTC Changes Associated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: To look for QTc changes associated with Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors and factors related to these changes among patients suffering from cancer.

Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Oncology Department, CMH Rawalpindi Pakistan from Dec 2020 to Apr 2021.

Methodology: The study included one hundred and eighty patients with solid or haematological malignancies taking Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors for more than three months. They underwent 12 lead ECGs inside the oncology department. QTc interval was calculated on the ECG of all the patients, and they were evaluated for the presence of prolonged QT interval. Age, gender, duration of Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor use and presence of comorbid illness were correlated with the presence of QTc changes in our study participants.

Results: Out of 180 cancer patients using Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors for more than three months included in the study, 96 (53.3%) were male, while 84 (46.7%) were female. One hundred and eighteen (65.5%) had normal QTc intervals, while 62 (34.5%) had prolonged QTc intervals in our study participants. Chi square test revealed that the advanced age of the patient and prolonged use of Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors was statistically significantly associated with QTc prolongation in our study (p-value<0.001).

Conclusion: Significant number of cancer patients using Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors had prolonged QTc intervals in our study. Special attention should be paid to cancer patients with advancing age and prolonged use of Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors.