Low incidence of cardiotoxicity in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma receiving EPOCH after prior anthracycline exposure.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence of cardiotoxicity in patients with anthracycline exposure who subsequently receive EPOCH for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with anthracycline exposure who subsequently received EPOCH for NHL at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The primary outcome was cumulative incidence of arrhythmia, heart failure (HF), left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, or cardiac death.

RESULTS

Among 140 patients, most had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Inclusive of EPOCH, median cumulative doxorubicin-equivalent dose was 364 mg/m2 ; exposure was 400 mg/m2 or higher in 41%. With median 36-month follow-up, 23 cardiac events were noted in 20 patients. Cumulative incidence of cardiac events at 60 months was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9%-21%). When limited to LV dysfunction/HF, cumulative incidence at 60 months was 7% (95% CI: 3%-13%), with most events occurring after the first year. Univariate analysis indicated only history of cardiac disease and dyslipidemia to be associated with cardiotoxicity; no other risk factors, including cumulative anthracycline dose, were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective cohort, representing the largest experience in this setting with extended follow-up, cumulative incidence of cardiac events was low. Rates of LV dysfunction or HF were particularly low, suggesting infusional administration may mitigate risk despite prior exposure.