Ibrutinib may increase risk of hypertension

Call for more collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists
Reuters Health Staff writer
Blood pressure monitor reading high

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).