Incidence and Outcomes of Atrial Arrhythmia with CDK4/6 Inhibitors in HR-Positive / HER2-Negative Breast Cancer

Background

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are increasingly used in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2−) breast cancer, yet emerging data suggest potential cardiotoxicity, including atrial arrhythmias (AA). Understanding the incidence and outcomes of AA in this population is essential as indications for CDK4/6 inhibitors expand.

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of new-onset AA and associated outcomes in patients with HR+/HER2− breast cancer treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients treated at Mayo Clinic from 2015– 2024 who received CDK4/6 inhibitors for HR+/HER2− breast cancer. The primary outcome was incidence of AA (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia). Secondary outcomes included cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression models were used to assess outcomes and associated risk factors.

Results

Among 2,782 patients, 59% received palbociclib, 28% abemaciclib, and 14% ribociclib.

New-onset AA occurred in 45, with cumulative incidence at 5 years of 2.8%. No significant differences in AA incidence were observed between agents (p=0.44). Multivariate analysis identified age at treatment as the only independent predictor of AA (HR 1.073, p<0.001). Four patients with new-onset AA experienced cerebrovascular events. New-onset AA was associated with increased mortality (HR 1.56, p=0.012).

Conclusions

CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy was associated with a low but clinically significant risk of new-onset AA, which in turn is associated with increased mortality. There was no significant difference in new-onset AA risk between different individual CDK4/6 inhibitor agents.

Prospective studies are needed to define mechanisms and guide monitoring strategies.