Cardiovascular toxicities of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia: preventive strategies and cardiovascular surveillance

Abstract

Nazanin Aghel,1 Diego Hernan Delgado,1 Jeffrey Howard Lipton2 1Division of Cardiology, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network,University of Toronto, 2Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada Abstract: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment and outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Despite their significant impact on the management of CML, there is growing evidence that TKIs may cause cardiovascular and/or metabolic complications. In this review, we present the current evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety profiles of BCR-ABL TKIs. Methodological challenges of studies that reported the cardiovascular safety of TKIs are discussed. We also propose management strategies for cardiovascular surveillance and risk factor modification during treatment with these agents. Keywords: BCR-ABL, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, peripheral arterial disease, cardiovascular disease, adverse event 

Keywords

• BCR-ABL
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
• peripheral arterial disease
• cardiovascular disease
• adverse event