Initiation of ibrutinib therapy is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and subsequent cardiovascular events, a study suggests.

US researchers evaluated the incidence of new or worsening hypertension and major adverse cardiovascular events in 562 consecutive patients treated with ibrutinib for lymphoid malignancies during 2009-2016.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) had hypertension at the time of ibrutinib initiation, and 63% of patients with baseline hypertension were on at least one antihypertensive medication.

During a median follow-up of 30 months, 78% of patients developed new or worsening hypertension (defined by a systolic blood pressure of 130mmHg or higher).