Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (Sacubitril/Valsartan) in cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction: real-world experience from a nurse-led cardio-oncology clinic
Authors: Reehal P , Tong J , Andres M S , Senechal I , Badr A , Ramalingam S , Rosen S , Nazir M S , Lyon A 
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a common toxicity amongst patients receiving anti-cancer treatment1. Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) Sacubitril/Valsartan is recommended to reduce Heart Failure (HF) admissions and cardiovascular mortality2. However, patients with active cancer were excluded from the key trials of ARNI. This study aims to provide a real-world experience of ARNI prescription and management from the perspective of a nurse-led Cardio-Oncology clinic.

Methods

This is a single centre, retrospective, observational cohort study performed at a Cardio-Oncology specialist centre between the period of 2021 to 2024. Adult cancer patients receiving anti-cancer therapy were included if they had symptomatic HF or asymptomatic CTRCD, were initiated on ARNI and followed up in the nurse-led Cardio-Oncology clinic.

Results

Twenty-nine patients were started on ARNI (see Figure 1). The mean age of the patients was 66+11 years and 17 (59%) were male. Cardiovascular risk factors were common: hypertension (45%), hyperlipidaemia (35%), diabetes mellitus (21%), and smoking (17%). Haematological and breast malignancies were most common (31% and 21% respectively), followed by gynaecological malignancies (14%). Twenty-one (72%) were treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy including 10 (35%) received anthracyclines. Five (17%) patients received human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) targeted therapies, 3 (10%) were on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and 2 (7%) received immunotherapy. Twenty-five (86%) patients presented with symptomatic HF while 4 (14%) had asymptomatic CTRCD. The median N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) level was elevated at 1325(806-4330)ng/L.

Thirteen (45%) patients tolerated the maximum dose of 200mg twice daily, while 16 (56%) could only tolerate middle and lowest dosages. ARNI dose up titration to the maximum tolerated dose took 26 (15-79) days. Twenty-eight (97%) patients were on beta blockers, 26 (90%) received SGLT2 inhibitors, 25 (86%) on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and 10 (35%) patients required diuretics.

The most common side effect was symptomatic hypotension in 11 (38%) patients. Two (7%) had hyperkalemia, 1 (3%) acute kidney injury following initiation, and 1 (3%) had dizziness without significant hypotension. Nine (31%) required dose reduction allowing ARNI to be continued, while 3 (10%) patients had to permanently discontinue ARNI. There were no cardiovascular deaths, cancer deaths or HF admissions.

Conclusion

The Cardio-Oncology nurse-led clinic permits rapid up-titration of ARNI to target dosages in patients with CTRCD, resulting in significant improvements in cardiac function. The nurse lead clinic education, support and side effect management allowed uninterrupted continuation of cancer treatment. Whether this approach translates into be better cardiac and cancer outcomes requires further study.