Anyone on a TKI develop atherosclerosis?

@mamajite, has it been confirmed that you have atherosclerosis (buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls)? How is it being managed?

hi @colleenyoung - yes, it was an incidental finding on an abdominal CT checking for metastasis. my PCP wants to put me on a statin (for life), but I'm curious if there's any chance it might resolve, or behave differently now that I'm off osimertinib. I'd also like to know if there's a causal link, as it could impact whether or not I could take the medication in the future.

there's not a lot of information available, but I did find this paper:
"Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and atherosclerosis: A close but complicated relationship"
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299923003801

Yes, I do. I have stage 4 lung cancer. I am ALK+. I took alecensa for 6 1/2 years then had brain mets. I was then switched to Lorbrena. I only take half a dose due to the side effects. Before I started taking it my oncologist did a baseline of my cholestrol, lipids, AC1 and others that I am sure I forgot. I was good on all of those, Then two weeks later I had my blood tested and I was high in everything. After 6 months they started me on a low dose statin. Then at my last appointment in August they switched me to a different stronger statin as my levels were higher. I went back after 2 weeks of taking the new pill and my levels were lower. I walk at least 2 miles every day and live on a farm so I have many outside activities to do. My oncologist says that and eating a good diet will help with the drug induced high cholesterol and lipids. I also see an endrocronligist as I had to have me thyroid removed, unrelated to my lung cancer. He was very concerned about my levels until he saw that my oncologist had it under control. I was told to continue to exercise, eat a healthy diet, take my statin and that will do more for me than not doing anything. I didnt get much of an answer when I asked if it would go away if I switched targeted drugs. I don't think they have enough research on that to know. Good luck!

Hi @mamajite
I’m sorry you are facing this. I’m hoping you will find more information and answers that will help as well.
I’m sending positive thoughts and prayers.
Hugs 🤗 Daisy

@mally007 I'm sorry you are also in this boat, but I appreciate you replying. If I find out any helpful info from my team, I will share. The weird thing for me is that my lipid panel is still normal. I agree with you that there isn't enough research on the longer term use of these medications yet.