QTc Changes Associated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Patients

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

Study Design: This correlational study was conducted in Avicenna Medical College and Hospital Lahore with the collaboration of SKMH during November 2020 to May 2021.

Methodology: One hundred and eighty patients with solid or hematological malignancies taking tyrosine kinase inhibitors for more than three months were included in the study. They underwent 12 lead ECG inside oncology department. QTc interval was calculated on ECG of all the patients and they were evaluated for presence of prolonged QT interval. Age, gender, duration of tyrosine kinase inhibitor use and presence of comorbid illness were correlated with 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 interval while 62 (34.5%) had prolonged QTc interval in our study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age of the patient and prolong 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 interval in our study. Special attention should be paid to the cancer patients with advancing age and prolonged use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.