Key result
Low serum potassium linked to ~108% higher risk of lenvatinib-induced hypertension in HCC.
Why the study?
Lenvatinib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma has a high incidence of adverse events including hypertension, but the associated risk factors remain unclear.
Cohort (n=75)
No
Hazard Ratio: 2.078 (95% CI 1.209–3.571)
p-value: p=0.008
Low serum potassium, high serum albumin, and low ALBI score are independent risk factors for lenvatinib-induced hypertension in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the need for careful blood pressure monitoring in these patients.
May warrant closer BP monitoring in low-potassium HCC patients on lenvatinib; hypothesis-generating for interventional trials.
Aims Lenvatinib mesylate (LEN) is an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LEN therapy for HCC is associated with a high incidence of adverse events, including hypertension (HTN). However, the risk factors associated with LEN therapy remain unclear. This study investigated the incidence of LEN‐induced HTN (LENiHTN), and the relationship between HTN incidence and patient demographics in patients with HCC receiving LEN therapy. Methods This was a single‐centre, retrospective study of patients with HCC who received LEN therapy between 19 April 2018 and 30 September 2020. The observation period was from 1 week before the start to 1 month after the end of LEN administration. Results Seventy‐five patients with HCC were enrolled. Any grade LENiHTN was found in 74.7% of patients. Among patients with LENiHTN, the use of 2 or more antihypertensive agents before starting LEN was less common ( P = .007); serum potassium (K) and albumin–bilirubin score (ALBI) were lower ( P = .013 and 0.038, respectively); and albumin (Alb) was higher ( P = .025). The cut‐off values of K, Alb and ALBI for HTN were estimated at 4.1 mEq L −1 , 3.1 g dL −1 and −1.736, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, low K (adjusted HR: 2.078) and low ALBI (adjusted HR: 2.845) were independent risk factors for LENiHTN. Conclusion Low K, high Alb and low ALBI were independent risk factors for LENiHTN. Systematic evaluation of HTN risk and early intervention for HTN prevention among high‐risk patients can markedly enhance LEN therapy efficacy and use.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Uekusa et al. (2024) conducted a cohort in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=75). Low serum potassium (< 4.1 mEq/L) vs. Serum potassium ≥ 4.1 mEq/L was evaluated on Lenvatinib-induced hypertension (LENiHTN) (adjusted HR 2.078, 95% CI 1.209-3.571, p=0.008). Low serum potassium (< 4.1 mEq/L) was an independent risk factor for lenvatinib-induced hypertension in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, increasing the risk by over twofold (adjusted HR 2.078).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: