Frontiers in Pharmacology (Aug 2023)

Which is the top player for the cardiovascular safety? ibrutinib vs. obinutuzumab in CLL

  • Annamaria Mascolo,
  • Annamaria Mascolo,
  • Raffaella Di Napoli,
  • Raffaella Di Napoli,
  • Nunzia Balzano,
  • Nunzia Balzano,
  • Elena D’Alessio,
  • Imma Izzo,
  • Imma Izzo,
  • Francesco Rossi,
  • Francesco Rossi,
  • Giuseppe Paolisso,
  • Annalisa Capuano,
  • Annalisa Capuano,
  • Liberata Sportiello,
  • Liberata Sportiello

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1229304
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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Introduction: Ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, is authorized for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study aims to explore the cardiac safety profile of ibrutinib in comparison with obinutuzumab.Methods: A retrospective pharmacovigilance study was conducted on data retrieved from the European pharmacovigilance database (Eudravigilance) from 1 January 2014 to 30 September 2022. To compare the reporting frequency of cardiovascular events among ibrutinib, obinutuzumab, and the combination of both.Results: A total of 2 291 CV cases were retrieved, of which 1965 were related to ibrutinib, 312 to obinutuzumab, and 14 to the combination. Most cases referred to patients aged ≥65 years (N = 1,454; 63.47%) and male (N = 1,497; 65.34%). Most cases were serious (N = 2,131; 93.02%). The most reported events were: atrial fibrillation (N = 913; 31.31%) and haemorrhage (N = 201; 6.89%). A higher reporting frequency of CV events was found when ibrutinib was compared to obinutuzumab (ROR, 3.22; 95% CI, 2.89-3.60) or combination (ROR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.11-2.83). A lower reporting was observed when obinutuzumab was compared to combination (ROR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34-0.88).Discussion: A higher reporting frequency of CV events in patients exposed to ibrutinib in comparison with obinutuzumab was found. Further studies are needed to better explore the safety of ibrutinib.

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