REVIEW article

Front. Cardiovasc. Med., 26 July 2024

Sec. Cardio-Oncology

Volume 11 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1408983

Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor-related atrial fibrillation and its implications in the treatment of B-cell lymphoma

  • 1. Department of Hematology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China

  • 2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China

  • 3. Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China

Abstract

Adverse events of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been commonly reported in lymphoma patients in treating Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi). The incidence rate of AF can vary depending on the specific types of BTKi and the patient population. Totally 45 published studies have revealed that the overall incidence rate of AF is 5% (95% CI 4%–7%). By performing a subtype single-rate analysis, the second-generation BTKi shows a lower AF incidence rate and lower cardiovascular toxicity. In the subtype single-rate analysis, we conclude the different AF incidence rates of Ibrutinib (10%, 95% CI 7%–13%), Acalabrutinib (4%, 95% CI 1%–6%), Orelabrutinib (0%, 95% CI 0%–1%), and Zanubrutinib (0%, 95% CI 0%–1%). The comprehensive analysis of AF inspires us to better predict and manage AF and other cardiovascular events in treating lymphoma. Meticulous evaluation, collaboration between cardiologists and hematologists, and discovery of new biomarkers are essential for its management.

Introduction

The applications of BTKi in the treatment of lymphoma

BTK inhibitors are a kind of small molecule targeting the critical component BTK on the signal pathway of B Cells, related to B cell proliferation and survival, making it a significant therapeutic target for B-cell lymphoma (, ). BTK inhibitors have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their demonstrated efficacy in treating B-cell lymphoma () (Table 1).

Table 1

First-generationSecond-generationThird-generation
IbrutinibAcalabrutinibZanubrutinibOrelabrutinibPirtobrunib
CompanyAbbVie/JohnsonAstraZenecaBeiGeneInnoCare PharmaEli Lilly
First approved2013.11 (NDA 205552)2017.10 (NDA 210259)2019.11 (NDA 213217)2020.12 (H20200016)2023.1 (NDA 216059)

The overall introduction of different BTK inhibitors.

Indications and adverse events of BTK inhibitors

Since the emergence of the first-generation BTKi, Ibutinib, it has become a critical targeted drug for treating lymphoma, showing a good prognosis and relatively few side effects. The BTKi have been approved for marketing in many countries, and have been listed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) (), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) (), Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (WM) () and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) (), etc. Also, the different doses of BTKi are being tested, and indications' ranges are expanding to other B cell lymphoma or immune diseases. The different combinations of BTKi and other medications are being explored, like rituximab, Obinutuzumab, and venetoclax, for better outcomes and fewer side effects.

We may discover that the indications of BTKi are gradually expanding. Some of them have been proven while more indications are still in clinical trials. More than relatively common types of lymphoma, BTKi are in trials with central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL, NCT04438044) (), large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL, NCT01855750) (), and follicular lymphoma (FL, NCT02343120) (). Furthermore, BTKi also plays a more curial role in autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS, NCT02975349) (), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, NCT02975336) (), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA, NCT03233230) ().

In conclusion, we may find the importance and high risk of the incidence of AF in treating B-cell lymphoma. In contrast, the reports of AF and other cardiovascular events vary from each other. Thus, we may conclude different reports and have a more detailed description of AF in the different types of BTKi. Furthermore, we may find a better way to manage BTKi-related AF, improving the prognosis of lymphoma patients.

Methods

Due to the wide use of the BTKi in treating lymphoma and the noteworthy AEs of cardiotoxicity like AF in the clinical trial or normal therapeutic use, we collected related reports and paid special attention to AF events. Through extensive reading, different previous clinical trials and research suggest that diverse BTKi may act differently in the safety of AF. To further compare the safety of different generations of BTKi and have more reassuring guidance on clinical treatment, we systematically collected the clinical trials paper with NCT number (except Orelabrutinib) mentioned AF incidence rate. The data are collected from the most commonly used databases like Pubmed and Web of Science with keywords like BTKi and AF. All the clinical trials are collected from the published papers from 2013 to 2022, among a total of 657 papers from Web of Science and 225 papers from PubMed using the same strategy. After type filtering, eliminating duplicates, and screening contents, we finally reduced the scope to 45 papers Figure 1.

Figure 1

After overall criteria and careful reading, we finally collected papers on Ibrutinib (N = 22), Zanubrutinib (N = 12), Acalabrutinib (N = 7), and Orelabrutinib (N = 4). We mainly collect different AF incidence rates, related AE incidence rates, sample size, median age, severity, remark, etc.

Results

The AF incidence with BTK inhibitors

Through a comprehensive single-rate analysis encompassing data extracted from forty-two clinical trials conducted within the period spanning 2013–2022, we have concluded that the overall incidence rate of AF is relatively accurate at 5% (95% CI 4%–7% in the random effects model). It has been observed that second-generation BTKi exhibits fewer serious adverse events. Notably, the occurrence rate of AF displays significant variability, spanning from 0% to 35%. Having established an overall incidence rate of 5%, comparing the different BTKi therapies could provide valuable guidance for clinical treatment, particularly for patients with high cardiovascular risks. The heterogeneity observed between the four types of BTKi is evident (I2 = 85% > 50%, p < 0.01), indicating the need for subtype analysis to uncover differences and explore the underlying causes of heterogeneity. Through subtype analysis, we found the AF incidence rates for Ibrutinib (10%, 95% CI 7%–13% in random effects model) (Table 2), Acalabrutinib (4%, 95% CI 1%–6% in random effects model) (Table 3), Orelabrutinib (0%, 95% CI 0%–1% in common effects model) (Table 4), and Zanubrutinib (0%, 95% CI 0%–1% in common effects model) (Table 5).

Table 2

Author, year of publicationStudy designPopulationSample sizeMedian age (y)Median follow-up monthsAtrial fibrillation or flutterSeverityCardiac-related AEsRemarkNCT
Number
Byrd ()RCT
Phase III
R/R
CCL/SSL
19567y (range, 30y–86y)9.4 months (range, 0.1–16.6)10/195
(5.1%)
N/AN/AAF in the Ibrutinib group of 10 patients is higher than the one patient in the ofatumumab group.NCT
01578707
Burger ()Phase IIIFrontline
CCL/SSL
13673y18.4 months8/136
(5.9%)
6/8 (75.0%) Grade 2
2/8 (25.0%) Grade 3
6/135 (4.4%) HypertensionMost AF patients have a history of cardiac events. There is a significantly higher ibrutinib than chlorambucil.NCT
01722487
Farooqui ()Phase IIFrontline R/R
CLL/SLL
86(35/86) > 65y
(51/86) > 18y
28 months14/86
(5.6%)
11/14 (78.6%) Grade 2
3/14 (21.4%) Grade 3
N/AThe research with a higher AF incidence rate may owe it to longer follow-up time.NCT
01500733
Teron ()Prospective studyWM6363y (range, 44y–86y)N/A3/63
(4.8%)
2/3 (66.7%) Grade 2
1/3 (33.3%)
Grade 3
1/63 (1.6%)
Sinus tachycardia Grade 2
The AF patients with MYD88L265Por CXCR4WTare all with AF history, and their overall toxic effects are moderate.NCT
01614821
Chanan-Khan ()PC DB
Phase III
CLL/SLL28964y (range, 31y–86y)17 months (range, 13.7–20.7)21/289
(7.3%)
N/A89/289 (31%)
Bleeding
Overall, a low incidence of AF was seen in BTKi therapy and chemoimmunotherapy.NCT
01611090
Wang ()SC
Phase II
R/R
MCL
5067y (range, 45y–86y)16.5 months (range, 12.1–19.3)7/50
(14.0%)
1/7 (14.3%) Grade 1–2
6/7 (85.7%)
Grade 3
14/50 (28.0%)
Hypertension
The occurrence of AF mainly owes to age and exposure to cardiac toxicity.NCT
01880567
Ahn ()Phase IICLL5166y (range, 33y–85y)57.6 months18/86
(20.9%)
13/18 (72.2%)
Grade1–2
5/18 (27.8%)
Grade 3
N/AThe therapy with Ibrutinib for more than five years is similar to earlier reports. Patients with TP53 aberration also reach durable responses.NCT
01500733
Dimopoulos ()Phase IIIWM7570y (range, 36y–89y)26.5 months11/75
(14.7%)
2/11 (18.2%)
Grade1–2
9/11 (81.8%) Grade ≥3
10/75 (13.3%)
Grade ≥3
Hypertension
38/75 (50.7%)
Bleeding
A higher incidence of AF is observed in the Ibrutinib-Rituximab group compared to placebo-rituximab after 26 months.NCT
02165397
Treon ()N/RTN
WM
3067y (range, 43y–83y)14.6 months3/30
(10.0%)
3/3 (100.0%)
Grade 2
4/30 (13.3%)
Hypertension
Ibrutinib is well tolerated overall in TN patients with WM and has no unexpected toxicities. Patients with AF can usually be managed with medication without dose reduction.NCT
02604511
Davids ()MC SA
Phase II
TN
CLL
8555y (range, 50y–58y)16.5months (range, 10.6–34.1)5/85
(5.9%)
2/5 (40.0%)
Grade1–2
3/5 (60.0%)
Grade 3
6/85 (7.1%)
Hypertension
The ibrutinib plus FCR (Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, and Rituximab) regimen has relatively few grades ≥ 3 AEs and few lead to discontinuations.NCT
02251548
Jain ()Phase IITN
CLL
8065y (range, 26y–83y)14.8 months12/80
(15.0%)
4/12 (33.3%)
Grade 1–2
8/12 (66.7%)
Grade 3–4
11/80 (13.8%)
Hypertension
The combination therapy of Ibrutinib and venetoclax is effective and tolerable. The safety profile is similar to the monotherapy of Ibrutinib or venetoclax.NCT
02756897
Munir ()MC
Phase III
R/R
CLL/SLL
195N/A41 months (range, 0.2–71.1)24/195
(12.0%)
N/A41/195 (21%)
Hypertension
19/195 (10%)
Bleeding ≥ Grade 3
2/195 (1.0%)
Ventricular tachyarrhythmia
9/195 (4.6%)
Heart failure
The overall prevalence of AF is similar to the earlier report. Most AEs, except hypertension, gradually decrease with treatment.NCT
01578707
Nastoupil ()MC
Phase I
CLL/SLL/
B-NHL
4662y (range, 56y–67y)15 months (range, 6.8–24.5)2/46
(4.3%)
N/A6/46 (13.0%)
Hypertension
The study shows the tolerable safety profile of a triplet regimen (Ibrutinib, ublituximab, and umbralisib) with only one patient leading to discontinuation.NCT
02006485
Tam ()Phase IIIWM98(29/99) ≤ 65y
(70/99) > 65y
19.4 months15/98
(15.3%)
11/15 (73.4%)
Grade 1–2
4/15 (26.6%) Grade ≥3
16/98 (16.3%) HypertensionAF and hypertension are reported in higher frequency in the Ibrutinib group compared with Zanubrutinib.NCT
03053440
Byrd ()Phase IIICLL26365y (range, 28y–88y)40.9 months (range, 0.0–59.1)41/263
(15.6%)
32/41 (78.0%)
Grade 1–2
9/41 (22.0%)
Grade ≥3
60/263 (22.8%)
Hypertension
5/263 (1.9%)
Ventricular arrhythmia or cardiac arrest
Compared with Acalabrutinib, more AEs like AF or hypertension are observed, and a five times higher rate of discontinuation due to cardiac events in the Ibrutinib group.NCT
02477696
Sharman ()MCR/R
CLL
12666y/67y (range, 62–74)41.6 months (range, 36.7–47.3)5/126
(4.0%)
N/AN/AThe rate of incidence of AF in the Ublituximab plus ibrutinib group (four, 7%) is higher than Ibrutinib alone group (one, 2%).NCT
02301156
Treon ()N/RR/R
WM
6363y (range, 44y–86y)59 months6/63
(9.5%)
5/6 (83.3%) Grade 2
1/6 (16.7%) Grade 3
4/63 (6.3%) Hypertension
1/63 (1.5%) Hypotension
Ibrutinib responses are affected by MYD88 and CXCR4 mutation but with no unexpected AEs for its tolerable profile.NCT
01614821
Trotman ()Phase IIIWM3167y (range, 47–90)58 months (range, 9–61)0/31
(0.0%)
N/A3/31 (9.7%)
Grade ≥ 3 Hypertension
Ibrutinib is tolerated with no AF events, primarily low-grade AEs, and without the case of discontinuation of the treatment.NCT
02165397
Castillo ()SG
Phase II
TN
WM
9067y (range, 43y–83y)50 months6/30
(20.0%)
6/6 (100.0%) Grade 25/30 (16.7%) Hypertension
1/30 (3.3%)
Cardiac arrest
All patients with AF can be managed medically and continue treatment, and not seen as a contraindication for Ibrutinib.NCT
02604511
Jain (31)SA
Phase II
MCL5071y (range, 69y–76y years45 months (range, 24–56)17/50
(34.0%)
1/17 (5.9%)
Grade 1
5/17 (29.4%)
Grade 2
11/17 (64.7%)
Grade ≥ 3
9/50 (18.0%)
Bleeding
12/50 (24.0%)
Hypertension
Patients who develop AF have higher baseline cardiac risk factors and ECG abnormalities than non-AF patients.NCT
01880567
Langerbeins (32)Phase IIITN
CCL
15864y (range, 38y–85y)31 months19/158
(12.0%)
9/19 (47.4%) Grade 1–2
10/19 (52.6%) Grade ≥3
16/158 (10.1%)
Hypertension
Compared with the placebo, the occurrence of AE is similar, while Ibrutinib is associated with more cardiovascular and bleeding events.NCT
02863718
Wang (33)SC, SA
Phase II
Frontline
MCL
13156y (range,
49y–60y)
42 months (range,
30–54)
5/131
(3.8%)
3/5 (60.0%) Grade 1
1/5 (20.0%) Grade 2
1/5 (20.0%) Grade 3
20/131 (15.2%) HypertensionThere are few significant AEs in the Ibrutinib–rituximab group.NCT
02427620

Incidence of atrial fibrillation or flutter in ibrutinib.

RCT, randomized clinical trial; SG, sequential group; SC, single-center; MC, multiple-center; SA, single-arm; PC, placebo-controlled; DB, double-blind; CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; SLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma; MCL, mantle-cell Lymphoma; FL, follicular lymphoma; WM, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; CNSL, central nervous system lymphoma; MZL, marginal zone lymphoma; R/R, Relapsed/refractory disease; TN, treatment naive; N/A, not acquired; AF, artificial fibrillation; AEs, adverse events; BTKi, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Table 3

Author, year of publicationStudy designPopulationSample sizeMedian age (y)Median follow-up monthsAtrial fibrillation or flutterSeverityCardiac-related AEsRemarkNCT
Number
Awan (34)Phase 1/2CLL/SLL3364y (range, 50y–82y)9.5 months (range, 0.5 to 20.6)2/33
(6.0%)
1/2 (50.0%) Grade 2
1/2 (50.0%) Grade 3
N/AAcalabrutinib is usually tolerable and effective for patients with ibrutinib intolerance.NCT
02029443
Wang (35)MC, SA
Phase II
R/R
MCL
12468y (range, 61y–75y)15.2 months0/124
(0.0%)
N/AN/AAF was not observed,while longer follow-up and other randomized studies are needed to further explore.NCT
02213926
Byrd (36)Phase 1b/2R/R
CLL/SSL
13466y (range, 42y–85y)41.0 months10/134
(7.5%)
6/10 (60.0%) Grade1–2
4/10 (40.0%) Grade ≥3
N/AThe report supports the previous findings and provides added proof of endurance and tolerability, and the 100 mg twice-daily dose may be more effective.NCT
02029443
Sharman (37)Phase IIITN
CLL
17970y(range, 66y–75y)28.3 months7/179
(3.9%)
N/A4/179 (2.2%)
Hypertension Grade ≥3
Compared with chemoimmunotherapy, Acalabrutinib with Obinutuzumab or not has a more effective outcome and higher incidence rate of AF (7/179 vs 1/169).NCT
02475681
Ghia (38)MC
Phase III
R/R
CLL
15468y(range, 32y–89y)16.1 months (range, 0.03–22.4)3/154 (1.9%)N/A2/195 (1.0%)
Ventricular tachyarrhythmia
5/154 (3.2%)
Hypertension
9/195 (4.6%)
Heart failure
Acalabrutinib-related AEs are similar to the previous studies. Few serious AEs and few AEs leading to discontinuation.NCT
02970318
Byrd ()MC
Phase III
CLL26665y(range, 28y–88y)40.9 months (range, 0.0–59.1)24/266
(9.0%)
12/24 (50.0%) Grade ≥323/266 (8.6%)
Hypertension
The first randomized phase III
Acalabrutinib versus Ibrutinib trail shows a five-fold higher discontinuation rate because of cardiac events, 2.4 times higher AF rate, and shorter median onset time in ibrutinib.
NCT
02477696
Strati (39)MC
Phase II
R/R
sMZL
4369y (range, 42y–84y)13.3 months (range 0.5–45.5)0/43
(0.0%)
N/A2/43 (4.7%)
Hypertension
The lower incidence of AF with Acalabrutinib might be interpreted with caution due to the shorter follow-up.NCT
02180711

Incidence of atrial fibrillation or flutter in acalabrutinib.

MC, multiple-center; SA, single-arm; CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia; SLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma; R/R, relapsed/refractory disease; TN, treatment naive; N/A, not acquired; AF, artificial fibrillation; AEs, adverse events; BTKi, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Table 4

Author, year of publicationStudy designPopulationSample sizeMedian age (y)Median follow-up monthsAtrial fibrillation or flutterSeverityCardiac-related AEsRemarkNCT
Number
Xu (40)MC
Phase II
R/R
CLL/SLL
80N/A6.3 months (range, 0.4–13.7)0/80 (0%)N/ANo significant AEsThe improvement in selectivity allows Orelabrutinib to have an improvement in selectivity and no report of significant AEs.N/A
Song (41)MC
Phase II
R/R
MCL
106N/A15.0 months0/106 (0%)
≥Grade 3
N/AN/AOrelabrutinib is safe and well tolerated, with a better selection for BTKi therapy.N/A
Zhou (42)SA
MC
Phase II
R/R
WM
4763y (range, 56y–68y)10.5 months0/47 (0%)
≥Grade 3
N/AN/AOrelabrutinib shows favorable safety and tolerability with fewer AEs and promising treatment efficacy in R/R WM patients.N/A
Wu ()SGCNSL2355.0y (range,41.2y
-68.8y)
4.5 months
(range, 2.9–5.8)
0/23 (0%)N/AN/AIt is the first study for patients with CNSL and shows a favorable outcome and mild, tolerable, and controllable AEs.N/A

Incidence of atrial or flutter in orelabrutinib.

SG, sequential group; MC, multiple-center; SA, single-arm; cll, chronic lymphocytic leukemia; SLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma; MCL, mantle-cell lymphoma; WM, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; CNSL, Central nervous system lymphoma; R/R, relapsed/refractory disease; N/A, not acquired; AF, artificial fibrillation; AEs, adverse events; BTKi, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Table 5

Author, year of publicationStudy designPopulationSample sizeMedian age (y)Median follow-up monthsAtrial fibrillation or flutterSeverityCardiac-related AEsRemarkNCT
Number
Tam (43)MC
Phase I
R/R
CLL/SLL
144Part 2
69y (range, 24y–87y)
Part 2
13.7 months (range, 0.4–30.5)
1/144
(0.7%)
1/1 (100%)
Grade 2
N/AThe limited incidence rate of AF in Zanubrutinib may not increase risks though the mechanism of toxicity is not yet precise.NCT
02343120
Dimopoulos (44)Phase IIIWM2872y (range, 39y–87y)17.9 months1/28
(3.6%)
1/1 (100%)
Grade 1
3/28 (10.7%)
Hypertension
Zanubrutinib generally has low cardiotoxicity in AF and other related side effects.NCT
03053440
Song (45)SA
Phase II
R/R
MCL
8660.5y18.4 months0/86
(0.0%)
N/A13/86 (15.1%)
Hypertension
The safety of Zanubtutinib is more effective in prolonging treatment or reaching better outcomes due to higher selectivity.NCT
03206970
Tam (46)MC
Phase 1b
FL
CLL/SLL
81N/AN/A0/81
(0.0%)
N/A7/81 (8.6%)
Hypertension
 Compared with other BTKi, there is no AF case and a lower incidence rate of severe AEs in Zanubrutinib.NCT
02569476
Tam ()Phase IIIWM101(41/102) ≤ 65y
(64/102) > 65y
19.4 months2/101
(2.0%)
2/2 (100%) Grade 1–211/101 (10.9%) HypertensionThough AF is a common complication in BTKi therapies, Zanubrutinib shows a lower AF incidence and a tolerable profile due to higher selectivity.NCT
03053440
Trotman (47)MC
Phase 1/2
WM7767y (range, 40y–87y)R/R 36.0 months
TN 23.5 months
4/77
(5.2%)
1/4 (25.0%) Grade 1
2/4 (50.0%) Grade 2
1/4 (25.0%) Grade 3
12/77 (15.6%) HypertensionNo patients require dose reductions or treatment discontinuation for the long-term tolerable treatment.NCT
02343120
Xu (48)SG
Phase II
R/R
CLL/SLL
9161y (range, 35y–87y)15.1 months
(range, 0.8–21.2)
0/91
(0.0%)
N/A9/91 (9.9%)
Hypertension
There is no report of Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter and risk factors are relatively rare in patients other than hypertension and diabetes.NCT
03206918
An (49)SA, MC
Phase II
R/R
WM
4465y (range, 41y–83y)33.0 months
(range, 2.0–36.5)
0/44
(0.0%)
N/A8/44 (18.2%)
Hypertension
No AF incidence occurred, which indicates its tolerable and manageable therapy safety.NCT
03332173
Opat (50)Phase IIR/R
MZL
6870y (range, 37y–95y)15.7 months (range, 1.6–21.9)2/68
(2.9%)
1/2 (50.0%) Grade ≥32/68 (2.9%)
Hypertension
Treatment with Zanubrutinib was associated with fewer dose reductions because of its clinical safety and tolerability.NCT
03846427
Phillips ()SA, MC
Phase 1/2
R/R
FL MZL
52MZL 69.5y
(range, 52y–85y)
FL 63y
(range, 38y–79y)
33.8 months0/52
(0.0%)
N/A3/52 (5.8%)
Hypertension
AEs of AF are unusual in patients with FL or MZL.NCT
02343120
Song (51)SA, MC
Phase I
CLL/SLL
MCL WM FL MZL
44N/A31.5 months0/44
(0.0%)
N/A1/44 (2.3%)
Hypertension
There are no severe side effects like AF or second primary malignancies.NCT
03189524
Song (52)SA
Phase II
R/R
MCL
8661y (range, 34y–75y)35.3 months0/86
(0.0%)
N/ANo Grade ≥ 3 cardiac AEsThere is no evident advance in the incidence rate or severity of AF, and cardiovascular-related AEs are manageable and tolerated.NCT
03206970

Incidence of atrial fibrillation or flutter in zanubrutinib.

SG, sequential group; MC, multiple-center; SA, single-arm; CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia; SLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma; MCL, mantle-cell Lymphoma; FL, Follicular lymphoma; WM, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; MZL, marginal zone lymphoma; R/R, relapsed/refractory disease; N/A, not acquired; AF, artificial fibrillation; AEs, adverse events; BTKi, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Discussion

Based on comprehensive analysis results, the critical result of AF incidence is 6.0%. Nevertheless, our findings regarding the incidence rate of AF align with those of other systematic reviews and adhere to similar methodological approaches employed in meta-analyses of bleeding events (53). Meanwhile, through weighted mean, we can also approximately estimate incidence rates of the cardiac-related events: hypertension (14.8%) and heart failure (4.6%). The uncertainty of AEs will affect the prognosis of patients with lymphoma because of the discontinuation of treatment and the high risks for cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and stroke. Previous studies on Ibrutinib have reported common adverse events (AEs) including diarrhea (49%), upper respiratory tract infection (33%), fatigue (32%), cough (31%), and rash (27%) (). Among these AEs, AF is a type of abnormal heart rhythm that affects the atria. When the atria are not beating coordinatedly, blood may form clots, travel to the brain vessels, and then lead to a stroke (54). Furthermore, it is imperative to underscore the strong correlation between AF and an elevated risk of heart failure, given that irregular atrial contractions can impede the heart's ability to efficiently pump blood. In summation, AF emerges as a salient and pivotal adverse event, particularly within the domain of BTKi treatment for lymphoma for its wide applications and potential risks.

The elevated risks and unique off-target toxicities associated with AF have garnered significant attention, leading to the emergence of a sub-discipline known as Cardio-oncology. This discipline emphasizes the collaboration between hematologists and cardiologists, aiming to enhance the management and prevention of adverse events associated with BTKi. The BTKi-related AF has not been fully discovered. According to certain studies, BTKi-related AF may related to relatively broad selectivity and targets, including BTK, TEC (55), EGFR, and CSK (56). In comparing Ibrutinib and other second-generation BTKi, differences in the target of CSK may lead to the difference in the incidence of AF.

The first generation BTKi: Ibrutinib

As the original and first-generation BTKi used in the treatment of lymphoma, Ibrutinib has emerged as a successful paradigm and a catalyst for related research. With extensive experimental support and clinical trial data, the reliability of its efficacy in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and incidence rates of serious adverse events (AEs) has increased. However, notable heterogeneity remains within the Ibrutinib-treated group due to lymphoma types, study designs, and baseline data variations. To conduct further analysis in detail, we categorized the data into more specific subtypes. Nevertheless, the currently available clinical trials have limitations in providing a more nuanced analysis of these subtypes. The reported incidence rate of AF at 10% in Ibrutinib-treated patients can be considered relatively accurate and a reliable clinical reference. Notably, a meta-analysis focusing on AF incidence rate in CLL patients treated with Ibrutinib reported an AF incidence rate of 5% (57). This discrepancy could be attributed to the extensive application of Ibrutinib in lymphoma cases, as CLL was among the earliest approved indications for Ibrutinib, with a relatively low incidence rate of AF. Furthermore, more recent clinical trials have reported rates higher than 10% (–). The 10% incidence rate is understandable given the inherent heterogeneity associated with a single-rate analysis.

The second generation BTKi: zanubrutinib, orelabrutinib, and acalabrutinib

The progress in BTKi therapy has notably lessened treatment complications and bolstered treatment endurance. Zanubrutinib was brought into sharp focus due to its PFS efficiency results or relatively fewer side effects. Safety has become a key factor in the recommendation of lymphoma treatment. Also, based on the NCCN guideline (Version 1.2023) of CLL/SLL, Zanubrutinib is taken as the highest level of clinical recommendation. In contrast, Ibrutinib is taken as another recommendation for its potential cardiovascular risks. According to the result, we may observe that the AF incidence rate is approximately 0% due to the high risks of bias in certain studies. In the head-to-head trials, the AF incidence rate is 2.5% (58). The difference may originate from the limitations of different independent research reports and the methodology of single-group rate analysis. Larger studies, more compact study designs, and real-world data are necessary for further evidence to support the encouraging results of Zanubrutinib.

Orelabrutinib is still at the stage of various clinical trials. Only a few studies disclosed the results, while it is still considered a promising drug as BTKi for more effective and fewer AEs treatment. Although the current results from the single-rate analysis suggest an incidence rate of 0% for AF and no reported cases of AF, it is vital to acknowledge such analyses' limitations and potential biases.

Based on the subtype meta-analysis, the incidence rate of AF with Acalabrutinib in the random effect model is about 4%. Though the induced studies are limited, there is no significant difference between trials or other previous reports. The incidence of AF in the first randomized phase III trial of Ibrutinib (41/263, 15.6%) vs. Acalabrutinib (24/266, 9.0%) may offer us newly updated supportive data.

New generation BTKi: pirtobrunib

The approval of Pirtobrutinib in January 2023 as a non-covalent BTK inhibitor for MCL patients resistant to covalent ones marks a significant advancement in the third-generation BTKi (59). Also, we may expect the emergence of more third-generation BTKi, including pirtobrutinib (60) and Fenebrutinib (61). These developments highlight the ongoing evolution of BTK inhibitor therapy and the potential for better outcomes in diverse disease contexts. The field of BTKi has evolved from the first generation of exploratory and innovative compounds. Subsequently, the focus shifted towards the second generation of inhibitors, aiming to improve efficacy while minimizing side effects. Presently, the introduction of third-generation non-covalent binding inhibitors represents a significant advancement, expanding the therapeutic indications, and narrowing adverse events.

Comparative analysis between ibrutinib and zanubrutinib

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) warn against the utilization of Ibrutinib for its cardiovascular risks. In the age of targeted therapy, survival time of CLL/SLL patients has been largely prolonged. Thus, monitoring and prevention of cardiovascular events is vital for clinical treatment choices based on comprehensive physical conditions and drug toxicity. Recently, based on a head-to-head experiment (Zanubrutinib vs. Ibrutinib), the incidence rate of AF significantly decreased (2.5% vs. 10.19%, P = 0.001). In the study of ALPINE, 6 cases of 652 patients died of cardiac events with Ibrutinib. Also, the PFS in the Zanubrutinib group was better than that in the Ibrutinib group (94.9% vs. 84.0%) (58).

Through the comparison of Ibrutinib and Zanubrutinib, we may observe a significant difference in that Zanubrutinib performs better in the cardiac safety profiles in Figure 2. Theoretically, we may agree with the higher inhibition effects of Ibrutinib in HER2, HER4, TEC (mainly related to AF) (62) and fewer off-target effects of Zanubrutinib with lower IC50 against BTK (mainly related to the treatment of lymphoma) and higher IC50 for other kinases like EGFR(21nM), TEC(44nM), ITK(50nM) (63). More Head-to-head clinical trials or more detailed disclosure of procedures and results may help us identify their PFS and cardiotoxicity. The different baselines of cardiac risk factors, the ignorant monitoring of AEs, and the median follow-up time may contribute to the difference between the BTKi.

Figure 2

Generally, the incidence rate of AF would increase with longer follow-up time due to its stable long-term risks. However, some studies suggest that AF primarily occurs during a specific period and does not increase over time (62, 64). Comparing the median age and median follow-up time between the two groups, the mean age of both groups is approximately 65.2 months. However, the mean follow-up times differ, with 31.5 months in the Ibrutinib group and 23.38 months in the Zanubrutinib group. Furthermore, future clinical designs and systematic reviews should pay attention to baseline differences and the AF occurrence time.

Guidance for the management of AF in the treatment of BTKi

The advancements in BTKi have primarily focused on three key areas: developing new generations of BTKi, exploring different dosage regimens, and expanding medication options.

However, managing AF as a confirmed AE requires careful consideration before treatment initiation. A thorough assessment of high-risk factors, such as AF history, hypertension, bleeding history, age ≥ 65y, male sex, and underlying diseases, is necessary. Based on a recent study, reported Ibrutinib, age ≥ 65y, blood culture positive, hypertension, diabetes, and sex as risk factors for developed AF in CLL patients (65). Specifically, some studies may focus on AF-risk scores used in patients with CLL, if patients with a score ≥5 should be carefully monitored or changed to second-generation BTKi (66–68). Commonly used clinical tools like the CHA2DS2-VASc and the HAS-BLED aid in evaluating the risk-benefit balance of AF patients in the area of BTKi treatment. For instance, if the CHA2DS2-VASc score exceeds 2, oral anticoagulants such as aspirin are recommended (69). Also, newly developed AF prediction models like HARMS2-AF risk scores can be tested in future trials (70). The personalized treatment plans should be formulated based on patient-specific factors such as scores, electrocardiogram (ECG) results, and blood pressure, including tailored doses and durations of BTKi, anticoagulants, and other supportive treatments (71) (Figure 3).

Figure 3

Moreover, based on clinical needs, early detection methods and specific biomarkers are essential for the management of lymphoma treatment. There are already biomarkers, including Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), ST2, Galectin-3 (72), FGF-23 (73), and microRNAs (74). While we may expect further exploration of the specific biomarker for BTKi-related AF, working as a convenient and inexpensive method. In cases where medically managing BTK inhibitor-related AF proves challenging, discontinuation of BTK inhibitor treatment may be considered. However, this decision must be weighed against its potential impact on treatment efficacy. Thus, striking a balance between side effects and the continuity of treatment is imperative.

Conclusion

Through a relatively comprehensive collection, we conclude different types of AEs, mainly focusing on the incidence of AF. The incidence rate of AF varies from 0% to 35%, and through a single rate analysis, the overall AF incidence rate is considered as 5% (95% CI 4%-7%). The profiles of BTKi are tolerable and controllable, showing a great advancement in the second-generation BTK with less serious AEs. Also, the cardiac-related AEs indicate us to manage patients regularly and prevent the occurrence of AF during the treatment of lymphoma. In the future, we may further explore the mechanism of BTKi-related AF and find more measures to monitor cardiac-related AEs.

Statements

Author contributions

JD: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Resources, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. Z-YC: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. X-RG: Investigation, Visualization, Writing – original draft. TW: Funding acquisition, Investigation, Supervision, Writing – review & editing. Z-FH: Investigation, Methodology, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Abbreviations

BTKi, Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor; XLA, x-linked agammaglobulinemia; CLL, chronic lymphocytic leukemia; WM, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia; MZL, marginal zone lymphoma; DLBCL, large B cell lymphoma; MS, multiple sclerosis; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; PI3 K, phosphoinositol 3-kinase; FGF, fibroblast factor; SG, sequential group; MC, multiple-center; PC, placebo-controlled; R/R, relapsed/refractory disease; N/A, not acquired; AF, atrial fibrillation; BCR, B-cell receptor; SLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma; MCL, mantle-cell lymphoma; CNSL, central nervous system leukemia; FL, follicular lymphoma; SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus; AE, adverse events; BNP, brain natriuretic peptide; RCT, randomized clinical trial; SC, single-center; SA, single-arm; DB, double-blind; TN, treatment naive.

References

  • 1.

    PoyyamoliSMehtaPCherianMAnandRPatilSKalvaSet alRole of bruton’s tyrosine kinase in B cells and malignancies. Mol Cancer. (2018) 17(1):57. 10.1186/s12943-018-0779-z

  • 2.

    Cardenas-MoralesMHernandez-TrujilloVP. Agammaglobulinemia: from X-linked to autosomal forms of disease. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. (2022) 63(1):22–35. 10.1007/s12016-021-08870-5

  • 3.

    BurgerJA. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors: present and future. Cancer J. (2019) 25(6):386–93. 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000412

  • 4.

    ByrdJCFurmanRRCoutreSEFlinnIWBurgerJABlumKAet alTargeting BTK with ibrutinib in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. (2013) 369(1):32–42. 10.1056/NEJMoa1215637

  • 5.

    WangMLRuleSMartinPGoyAAuerRKahlBSet alTargeting BTK with ibrutinib in relapsed or refractory mantle-cell lymphoma. N Engl J Med. (2013) 369(6):507–16. 10.1056/NEJMoa1306220

  • 6.

    TreonSPTripsasCKMeidKWarrenDVarmaGGreenRet alIbrutinib in previously treated Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. N Engl J Med. (2015) 372(15):1430–40. 10.1056/NEJMoa1501548

  • 7.

    NoyAde VosSThieblemontCMartinPFlowersCRMorschhauserFet alTargeting Bruton tyrosine kinase with ibrutinib in relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma. Blood. (2017) 129(16):2224–32. 10.1182/blood-2016-10-747345

  • 8.

    WuJJWangWHDongMMaSSZhangXDZhuLNet alOrelabrutinib-bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor-based regimens in the treatment of central nervous system lymphoma: a retrospective study. Invest New Drugs. (2022) 40(3):650–9. 10.1007/s10637-022-01219-5

  • 9.

    WilsonWHWrightGWHuangDWHodkinsonBBalasubramanianSFanYet alEffect of ibrutinib with R-CHOP chemotherapy in genetic subtypes of DLBCL. Cancer Cell. (2021) 39(12):1643–1653.e3. 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.10.006

  • 10.

    PhillipsTChanHTamCSTedeschiAJohnstonPOhSYet alZanubrutinib monotherapy in relapsed/refractory indolent non-hodgkin lymphoma. Blood Adv. (2022) 6(11):3472–9. 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006083

  • 11.

    MontalbanXArnoldDLWeberMSStaikovIPiasecka-StryczynskaKWillmerJet alPlacebo-controlled trial of an oral BTK inhibitor in multiple sclerosis. N Engl J Med. (2019) 380(25):2406–17. 10.1056/NEJMoa1901981

  • 12.

    MontalbanXWallaceDGenoveseMCTomicDParsons-RichDLe BolayCet alCharacterisation of the safety profile of evobrutinib in over 1000 patients from phase II clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: an integrated safety analysis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. (2023) 94(1):1–9. 10.1136/jnnp-2022-328799

  • 13.

    ByrdJCBrownJRO'BrienSBarrientosJCKayNEReddyNMet alIbrutinib versus ofatumumab in previously treated chronic lymphoid leukemia. N Engl J Med. (2014) 371(3):213–23. 10.1056/NEJMoa1400376

  • 14.

    BurgerJATedeschiABarrPMRobakTOwenCGhiaPet alIbrutinib as initial therapy for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. (2015) 373(25):2425–37. 10.1056/NEJMoa1509388

  • 15.

    FarooquiMValdezJSotoSBrayATianXWiestnerA. Atrial fibrillation in CLL/SLL patients on ibrutinib. Blood. (2015) 126(23):2933–2933. 10.1182/blood.V126.23.2933.2933

  • 16.

    Chanan-KhanACramerPDemirkanFFraserGSilvaRSGrosickiSet alIbrutinib combined with bendamustine and rituximab compared with placebo, bendamustine, and rituximab for previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (HELIOS): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 study. Lancet Oncol. (2016) 17(2):200–11. 10.1016/S1470-2045(15)00465-9

  • 17.

    WangMLLeeHChuangHWagner-BartakNHagemeisterFWestinJet alIbrutinib in combination with rituximab in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma: a single-centre, open-label, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol. (2016) 17(1):48–56. 10.1016/S1470-2045(15)00438-6

  • 18.

    AhnIEFarooquiMZHTianXValdezJSunCSotoSet alDepth and durability of response to ibrutinib in CLL: 5-year follow-up of a phase 2 study. Blood. (2018) 131(21):2357–66. 10.1182/blood-2017-12-820910

  • 19.

    DimopoulosMATedeschiATrotmanJGarcía-SanzRMacdonaldDLeblondVet alPhase 3 trial of ibrutinib plus rituximab in Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. N Engl J Med. (2018) 378(25):2399–410. 10.1056/NEJMoa1802917

  • 20.

    TreonSPGustineJMeidKYangGXuLLiuXet alIbrutinib monotherapy in symptomatic, treatment-naïve patients with waldenström macroglobulinemia. J Clin Oncol. (2018) 36(27):2755–61. 10.1200/JCO.2018.78.6426

  • 21.

    DavidsMSBranderDMKimHTTyekuchevaSBsatJSavellAet alIbrutinib plus fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab as initial treatment for younger patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a single-arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial. Lancet Haematol. (2019) 6(8):e419–28. 10.1016/S2352-3026(19)30104-8

  • 22.

    JainNKeatingMThompsonPFerrajoliABurgerJBorthakurGet alIbrutinib and venetoclax for first-line treatment of CLL. N Engl J Med. (2019) 380(22):2095–103. 10.1056/NEJMoa1900574

  • 23.

    MunirTBrownJRO'BrienSBarrientosJCBarrPMReddyNMet alFinal analysis from RESONATE: up to six years of follow-up on ibrutinib in patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma. Am J Hematol. (2019) 94(12):1353–63. 10.1002/ajh.25638

  • 24.

    NastoupilLJLunningMAVoseJMSchreederMTSiddiqiTFlowersCRet alTolerability and activity of ublituximab, umbralisib, and ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-hodgkin lymphoma: a phase 1 dose escalation and expansion trial. Lancet Haematol. (2019) 6(2):e100–9. 10.1016/S2352-3026(18)30216-3

  • 25.

    TamCSOpatSD'SaSJurczakWLeeHPCullGet alA randomized phase 3 trial of zanubrutinib vs ibrutinib in symptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia: the ASPEN study. Blood. (2020) 136(18):2038–50. 10.1182/blood.2020006844

  • 26.

    ByrdJCHillmenPGhiaPKaterAPChanan-KhanAFurmanRRet alAcalabrutinib versus ibrutinib in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia: results of the first randomized phase III trial. J Clin Oncol. (2021) 39(31):3441–52. 10.1200/JCO.21.01210

  • 27.

    SharmanJPBranderDMMatoARGhoshNSchusterSJKambhampatiSet alUblituximab plus ibrutinib versus ibrutinib alone for patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (GENUINE): a phase 3, multicentre, open-label, randomised trial. Lancet Haematol. (2021) 8(4):e254–66. 10.1016/S2352-3026(20)30433-6

  • 28.

    TreonSPMeidKGustineJYangGXuLLiuXet alLong-term follow-up of ibrutinib monotherapy in symptomatic, previously treated patients with waldenström macroglobulinemia. J Clin Oncol. (2021) 39(6):565–75. 10.1200/JCO.20.00555

  • 29.

    TrotmanJBuskeCTedeschiAMatousJVMacDonaldDTamCSet alSingle-agent ibrutinib for rituximab-refractory waldenström macroglobulinemia: final analysis of the substudy of the phase III innovate(TM) trial. Clin Cancer Res. (2021) 27(21):5793–800. 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-21-1497

  • 30.

    CastilloJJMeidKGustineJNLeventoffCWhiteTFlynnCAet alLong-term follow-up of ibrutinib monotherapy in treatment-naive patients with waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. Leukemia. (2022) 36(2):532–9. 10.1038/s41375-021-01417-9

  • 31.

    JainPZhaoSLeeHJHillHAOkCYKanagal-ShamannaRet alIbrutinib with rituximab in first-line treatment of older patients with mantle cell lymphoma. J Clin Oncol. (2022) 40(2):202–12. 10.1200/JCO.21.01797

  • 32.

    LangerbeinsPZhangCRobrechtSCramerPFürstenauMAl-SawafOet alThe CLL12 trial: ibrutinib vs placebo in treatment-naïve, early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood. (2022) 139(2):177–87. 10.1182/blood.2021010845

  • 33.

    WangMLJainPZhaoSLeeHJNastoupilLFayadLet alIbrutinib–rituximab followed by R-HCVAD as frontline treatment for young patients (≤65 years) with mantle cell lymphoma (WINDOW-1): a single-arm, phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol. (2022) 23(3):406–15. 10.1016/S1470-2045(21)00638-0

  • 34.

    AwanFTSchuhABrownJRFurmanRRPagelJMHillmenPet alAcalabrutinib monotherapy in patients with ibrutinib intolerance: results from the phase 1/2 ACE-CL-001 clinical study. Blood. (2016) 128(22):638. 10.1182/blood.V128.22.638.638

  • 35.

    WangMRuleSZinzaniPLGoyACasasnovasOSmithSDet alAcalabrutinib in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (ACE-LY-004): a single-arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial. Lancet. (2018) 391(10121):659–67. 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)33108-2

  • 36.

    ByrdJCWierdaWGSchuhADevereuxSChavesJMBrownJRet alAcalabrutinib monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: updated phase 2 results. Blood. (2020) 135(15):1204–13. 10.1182/blood.2018884940

  • 37.

    SharmanJPEgyedMJurczakWSkarbnikAPagelJMFlinnIWet alAcalabrutinib with or without obinutuzumab versus chlorambucil and obinutuzumab for treatment-naive chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (ELEVATE-TN): a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. (2020) 395(10232):1278–91. 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30262-2

  • 38.

    GhiaPPlutaAWachMLysakDKozakTSimkovicMet alASCEND: phase III, randomized trial of acalabrutinib versus idelalisib plus rituximab or bendamustine plus rituximab in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Clin Oncol. (2020) 38(25):2849–61. 10.1200/JCO.19.03355

  • 39.

    StratiPColemanMChampionRMaSPattiCLevyMYet alA phase 2, multicentre, open-label trial (ACE-LY-003) of acalabrutinib in patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma. Br J Haematol. (2022) 199(1):76–85. 10.1111/bjh.18368

  • 40.

    XuWSongYLiZYangSLiuLHuYet alSafety, tolerability and efficacy of orelabrutinib, once a day, to treat Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small cell leukemia. Blood. (2019) 134:4319. 10.1182/blood-2019-123331

  • 41.

    SongYSongYLiuLZhangMLiZJiCet alLong-term safety and efficacy of orelabrutinib monotherapy in Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma: a multicenter, open-label, phase II study. Blood. (2020) 136:1. 10.1182/blood-2020-141781

  • 42.

    ZhouDJinJFuZZYiSZhaoWLSunZet alEfficacy and safety of orelabrutinib in relapsed/refractory waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia patients. Blood. (2021) 138:46. 10.1182/blood-2021-149350

  • 43.

    TamCSTrotmanJOpatSBurgerJACullGGottliebDet alPhase 1 study of the selective BTK inhibitor zanubrutinib in B-cell malignancies and safety and efficacy evaluation in CLL. Blood. (2019) 134(11):851–9. 10.1182/blood.2019001160

  • 44.

    DimopoulosMSanzRGLeeHPTrnenyMVarettoniMOpatSet alZanubrutinib for the treatment of MYD88 wild-type waldenström macroglobulinemia: a substudy of the phase 3 ASPEN trial. Blood Adv. (2020) 4(23):6009–18. 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003010

  • 45.

    SongYZhouKZouDZhouJHuJYangHet alTreatment of patients with relapsed or refractory mantle-cell lymphoma with zanubrutinib, a selective inhibitor of bruton’s tyrosine kinase. Clin Cancer Res. (2020) 26(16):4216–24. 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-19-3703

  • 46.

    TamCSQuachHNicolABadouxXRoseHPrinceHMet alZanubrutinib (BGB-3111) plus obinutuzumab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and follicular lymphoma. Blood Advances. (2020) 4(19):4802–11. 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002183

  • 47.

    TrotmanJOpatSGottliebDSimpsonDMarltonPCullGet alZanubrutinib for the treatment of patients with waldenström macroglobulinemia: 3 years of follow-up. Blood. (2020) 136(18):2027–37. 10.1182/blood.2020006449

  • 48.

    XuWYangSZhouKPanLLiZZhouJet alTreatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma with the BTK inhibitor zanubrutinib: phase 2, single-arm, multicenter study. J Hematol Oncol. (2020) 13(1):48. 10.1186/s13045-020-00884-4

  • 49.

    AnGZhouDChengSZhouKLiJZhouJet alA phase II trial of the Bruton tyrosine-kinase inhibitor zanubrutinib (BGB-3111) in patients with relapsed/refractory Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Clin Cancer Res. (2021) 27(20):5492–501. 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-21-0539

  • 50.

    OpatSTedeschiALintonKMcKayPHuBChanHet alThe MAGNOLIA trial: zanubrutinib, a next-generation bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, demonstrates safety and efficacy in relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma. Clin Cancer Res. (2021) 27(23):6323–32. 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-21-1704

  • 51.

    SongYSunMQiJXuWZhouJLiDet alA two-part, single-arm, multicentre, phase I study of zanubrutinib, a selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in Chinese patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Br J Haematol. (2022) 198(1):62–72. 10.1111/bjh.18162

  • 52.

    SongYZhouKZouDZhouJHuJYangHet alZanubrutinib in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma: long-term efficacy and safety results from a phase 2 study. Blood. (2022) 139(21):3148–58. 10.1182/blood.2021014162

  • 53.

    SestierMHillisCFraserGLeongD. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors and cardiotoxicity: more than just atrial fibrillation. Curr Oncol Rep. (2021) 23(10):113. 10.1007/s11912-021-01102-1

  • 54.

    ZimetbaumP. Atrial fibrillation. Ann Intern Med. (2017) 166(5):Itc33–itc48. 10.7326/AITC201703070

  • 55.

    McMullenJRBoeyEJOoiJYSeymourJFKeatingMJTamCS. Ibrutinib increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, potentially through inhibition of cardiac PI3K-Akt signaling. Blood. (2014) 124(25):3829–30. 10.1182/blood-2014-10-604272

  • 56.

    ChristensenBWZahaVGAwanFT. Cardiotoxicity of BTK inhibitors: ibrutinib and beyond. Expert Rev Hematol. (2022) 15(4):321–31. 10.1080/17474086.2022.2067526

  • 57.

    CaldeiraDAlvesDCostaJFerreiraJJPintoFJ. Ibrutinib increases the risk of hypertension and atrial fibrillation: systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. (2019) 14(2):e0211228. 10.1371/journal.pone.0211228

  • 58.

    BrownJREichhorstBHillmenPJurczakWKazmierczakMLamannaNet alZanubrutinib or ibrutinib in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. N Engl J Med. (2023) 388(4):319–32. 10.1056/NEJMoa2211582

  • 59.

    KeamSJ. Pirtobrutinib: first approval. Drugs. (2023) 83(6):547–53. 10.1007/s40265-023-01860-1

  • 60.

    AslanBKismaliGIlesLRManyamGCAyresMLChenLSet alPirtobrutinib inhibits wild-type and mutant Bruton’s tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Cancer J. (2022) 12(5):80. 10.1038/s41408-022-00675-9

  • 61.

    ElaminGAljoundiAAlahmdiMIAbo-DyaNESolimanMES. Battling BTK mutants with noncovalent inhibitors that overcome Cys481 and Thr474 mutations in Waldenström macroglobulinemia therapy: structural mechanistic insights on the role of fenebrutinib. J Mol Model. (2022) 28(11):355. 10.1007/s00894-022-05345-y

  • 62.

    EstupiñánHYBerglöfAZainRSmithCIE. Comparative analysis of BTK inhibitors and mechanisms underlying adverse effects. Front Cell Dev Biol. (2021) 9:630942. 10.3389/fcell.2021.630942

  • 63.

    KapteinAde BruinGEmmelot-van HoekMvan de KarBde JongAGulrajaniMet alPotency and selectivity of BTK inhibitors in clinical development for B-cell malignancies. Blood. (2018) 132(Suppl 1):1871–1871. 10.1182/blood-2018-99-109973

  • 64.

    FurmanRRByrdJCOwenRGO'BrienSMBrownJRHillmenPet alPooled analysis of safety data from clinical trials evaluating acalabrutinib monotherapy in mature B-cell malignancies. Leukemia. (2021) 35(11):3201–11. 10.1038/s41375-021-01252-y

  • 65.

    ParvizMAgiusRRotbainECVainerNAarupKNiemannCU. Identifying CLL patients at high risk of atrial fibrillation on treatment using machine learning. Leuk Lymphoma. (2024) 65(4):449–59. 10.1080/10428194.2023.2299737

  • 66.

    ArchibaldWJRabeKGKabatBFHerrmannJDingWKayNEet alAtrial fibrillation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with ibrutinib: risk prediction, management, and clinical outcomes. Ann Hematol. (2021) 100(1):143–55. 10.1007/s00277-020-04094-3

  • 67.

    ShanafeltTDParikhSANoseworthyPAGoedeVChaffeeKGBahloJet alAtrial fibrillation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Leuk Lymphoma. (2017) 58(7):1630–9. 10.1080/10428194.2016.1257795

  • 68.

    VisentinADeodatoMMauroFRAutoreFRedaGVitaleCet alA scoring system to predict the risk of atrial fibrillation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hematol Oncol. (2019) 37(4):508–12. 10.1002/hon.2655

  • 69.

    VrontikisACareyJGilreathJAHalwaniAStephensDMSweetenhamJW. Proposed algorithm for managing ibrutinib-related atrial fibrillation. Oncology (Williston Park). (2016) 30(11):970–4. 980-1, c3. PMID:

  • 70.

    SeganLCanovasRNanayakkaraSChiengDPrabhuSVoskoboinikAet alNew-onset atrial fibrillation prediction: the HARMS2-AF risk score. Eur Heart J. (2023) 44(36):3443–52. 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad375

  • 71.

    KirchhofPBenussiSKotechaDAhlssonAAtarDCasadeiBet al2016 ESC guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with EACTS. Eur Heart J. (2016) 37(38):2893–962. 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw210

  • 72.

    OikonomouEZografosTPapamikroulisGASiasosGVogiatziGTheofilisPet alBiomarkers in atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Curr Med Chem. (2019) 26(5):873–87. 10.2174/0929867324666170830100424

  • 73.

    ChuaWPurmahYCardosoVRGkoutosGVTullSPNeculauGet alData-driven discovery and validation of circulating blood-based biomarkers associated with prevalent atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J. (2019) 40(16):1268–76. 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy815

  • 74.

    KomalSYinJJWangSHHuangCZTaoHLDongJZet alMicroRNAs: emerging biomarkers for atrial fibrillation. J Cardiol. (2019) 74(6):475–82. 10.1016/j.jjcc.2019.05.018

Summary

Keywords

atrial fibrillation, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, cardiovascular toxicity, lymphoma, Ibrutinib

Citation

Du J, Chen Z-Y, Gu X-R, Wang T and Huang Z-F (2024) Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor-related atrial fibrillation and its implications in the treatment of B-cell lymphoma. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 11:1408983. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1408983

Received

29 March 2024

Accepted

12 July 2024

Published

26 July 2024

Volume

11 - 2024

Edited by

Luigi Tarantini, IRCCS Local Health Authority of Reggio Emilia, Italy

Reviewed by

Teodora Donisan, Mayo Clinic, United States

Andrea Visentin, University of Padua, Italy

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Ting Wang Zou-Fang Huang

† These authors have contributed equally to this work

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Outline

Figures

Cite article

Copy to clipboard


Export citation file


Share article

Article metrics