Total burden of serious CV events reduced by IL-1β inhibition

An analysis of the CANTOS trial showed that IL-1β inhibition with canakinumab reduced total number of serious CV events compared to placebo in patients with prior MI and subclinical inflammation.

Inhibition of Interleukin-1b and Reduction in Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Events in the CANTOS Trial
Literature - Everett BM, MacFadyen JG, Thuren T, et al. - J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:1660–70, doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.08.011

Introduction and methods

In the primary analysis of the CANTOS trial, treatment with the interleukin IL-1β canakinumab reduced first MACE (major adverse CV event) in patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) and evidence of subclinical inflammation [1]. More recently, the COLCOT trial showed reduction of the composite endpoint of nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, urgent hospitalization for angina leading to coronary revascularization, resuscitated cardiac arrest or CV death with the anti-inflammatory agent colchicine [2].

These trial evaluated reduction of first atherothrombotic events with anti-inflammatory therapies. However, approach of assessing first CV event often underestimates the burden of the disease on the patient and the health care system.

Patients in the CANTOS trial were followed for the total duration of the trial, and those with a trial endpoint were asked to remain on their treatment for the duration of the trial.

This analysis examined the effect of canakinumab compared to placebo on the total number of serious CV events, a composite of nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, and CV death.

The CANTOS trial enrolled 10,061 patients with a history of MI and hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/mL, who were randomized to canakinumab 50 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg one every 3 months subcutaneously, or to placebo. HRs for the effect of canakinumab on primary endpoint ranged from 0.88 (0.78-0.99) for the 50 mg dose to 0.83 (0.73-0.93, P=0.002) for the 300 mg dose. For this analysis, all events were counted (clinical endpoint was total number of serious CV events). 8058 Patients experienced no serious CV events, 1093 a single serious CV event and 910 >1 serious adverse event. A total of 3417 serious CV events occurred, consisting of 2003 first events and 1414 subsequent events. Median follow-up was 3.7 years.

Main results

• Incidence rates of all serious CV events were 10.39, 8.38, 8.29 and 8.24 events per 100 person-years in the placebo, 50 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg treatment groups, respectively (RR 0.80, 95%CI: 0.69-0.93, P=0.004, RR 0.79, 95%CI: 0.68-0.92, P=0.002 and RR 0.78, 95%CI: 0.67-0.91, P=0.001, respectively).
• When all canakinumab doses were combined and compared with placebo, consistent reduction in rates of total serious CV events, as well as total MACE, MAC+ events, and total number of MI plus all coronary revascularizations events were observed.
• Reductions in the rate of the total number of serious CV events, MACE, MACE+ and for the composite of MI or coronary revascularization with canakinumab was regardless of achievement of hsCRP<2 mg/mL or IL-6 <1.65 ng/L.
• Differences in first and subsequent CV event rates in patient with canakinumab compared to those on placebo were extrapolated to a population of 1000 patients over median follow-up duration, resulting in 77 (95%CI: -102 to -53) fewer serious CV events. This was 32 fewer events for the primary MACE end point and 42 for the MACE+ endpoint.
• In those who achieved hsCRP<2 mg/mL, there were 105 (-127 to -72) fewer serious CV events with canakinumab vs. placebo when extrapolated to 1000 patients over 3.7 years, 55 fewer MACE, 64 fewer MACE+ and 80 fewer MI or coronary revascularization procedures. For those who achieved IL-6 <1.65 ng/L this was 141 (-175 to -92) for serious CV events, 91 for MACE, 94 for MACE+ and 92 for MI or coronary revascularization.

Conclusion

References

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