Characteristics and Outcomes of Cancer Patients With Venous Thromboembolic Events After Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) after Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), focusing on patients with gastrointestinal (GI) immune-related adverse events (irAE). Methods: In this retrospective, single-center study, we report the clinical outcomes of adult cancer patients who developed a VTE within 2 years of ICI initiation. Patients were excluded if alternate causes of VTE were present apart from malignancy and cancer therapy. The cohort was classified into those with GI-irAE, non-GI-irAE, and no irAE. A control group with ICI exposure without irAE and VTE was selected for comparative analysis. Results: Of all ICI-treated patients, 1891 (17.2%) were diagnosed with VTE. In all, 501 (4.6%) had no etiology for VTE aside from malignancy and cancer therapy. Of these, 137 patients were included and classified as: 44 GI-irAE, 42 non-GI-irAE, and 51 no irAE. Chemotherapy within 6 months of ICI therapy was associated with increased VTE risk. There was no difference in the clinical course between those exposed to chemotherapy versus ICI therapy alone, time from ICI initiation to VTE, and VTE type, recurrence, or related hospitalization. While there was no difference in VTE-related mortality, the GI-irAE group was associated with lower all-cause mortality and superior overall survival. Conclusion: Combined ICI and chemotherapy use increased VTE risk. There is a similar disease course of VTE after ICI exposure, regardless of other irAEs. Co-existing GI-irAE with VTE is associated with superior overall survival. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between ICI therapy and VTE and irAE impact on VTE outcomes.