2023-07-11 12:19:00
Scientists from Heidelberg University Hospital and Sorbonne Université in Paris have published study results in the renowned journal Circulation, revealing a reliable marker for the severity of heart damage caused by a specific immunotherapy for cancer. The study focused on immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have revolutionized cancer treatment but can also lead to life-threatening inflammation of various organs, including the heart.
The researchers analyzed the presence of troponin T, a heart muscle protein used to diagnose heart attacks, in the blood of 60 cancer patients who developed heart problems after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. They found that concentrations of troponin T above a certain threshold indicated a severe course of heart muscle inflammation, posing an increased risk of complications and death. The troponin T marker has the potential to identify patients who require close monitoring and may benefit from more intensive cardiac support.
Currently, around 1% of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors develop heart muscle inflammation, which often begins without symptoms. The study’s findings suggest that regular monitoring of troponin T levels, particularly within the first 72 hours after treatment, can help identify patients at high risk of developing serious heart complications within the following 90 days.
Professor Dr. Norbert Frey, Medical Director of the Clinic for Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology at Heidelberg University Hospital, stressed the importance of early detection and intervention in cases of heart inflammation caused by immunotherapy. Identifying patients at high risk of severe heart damage can prevent irreversible harm.
The results of the study have gained recognition and were voted “Paper of the Month” by the German Center for Cardiovascular Research in June. However, further studies are needed to confirm the findings before they can be implemented in clinical practice.
Professor Dr. Lorenz Lehmann, head of the Cardio-Oncology Section of Cardiology and the National Center for Tumor Diseases NCT Heidelberg, leads a special consultation for approximately 1,200 patients with heart diseases resulting from cancer therapy each year. This unique offering in Germany provides a dedicated and expert resource for affected individuals.
The development and use of immune checkpoint inhibitors have been groundbreaking in the treatment of previously challenging or untreatable tumor diseases, such as advanced melanoma. However, the potential side effects on vital organs, including the heart, highlight the need for ongoing research and monitoring to optimize patient care and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Reference:
Lehmann LH, Heckmann MB, Bailly G, et al. Cardiomuscular Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Prognostication of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis [published online ahead of print, 2023 Jun 15]. Circulation. 2023;10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.062405. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.062405.]
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