Subgroup analyses revealed that phase II-III studies and carfilzomib doses of 45 mg/m2 or higher were associated with high-grade cardiovascular events. Contrarily, median age older than 65 years, prior multiple myeloma therapies, and concurrent multiple myeloma therapies were not associated with cardiovascular adverse events.
Dr Waxman and colleagues concluded that carfilzomib is associated with a significant incidence of cardiovascular adverse events, with higher doses of carfilzomib correlating with higher rates of adverse events. “Future studies are needed to identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular adverse events, develop optimal monitoring strategies, and explore strategies to mitigate these risks,” researchers wrote, adding that phase I studies may be under-detecting cardiovascular adverse events.—Zachary Bessette
