Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Prior studies have documented that patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Objectives: To examine coronary artery calcium (CAC) as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and its association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with CRC across the cancer treatment trajectory.

Methods: Adults with newly diagnosed CRC were enrolled in the prospective ColoCare study from 2017 to 2024. CAC was measured from routine diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT scans at CRC diagnosis until 5 years post-diagnosis. Atherosclerosis was defined as the presence of CAC. We used multivariable-adjusted Fine and Gray models to assess the association between CAC and MACE risk, accounting for competing risks.

Results: Among 300 CRC patients, the most common CVD risk factors at cancer diagnosis were hypertension (37%), hyperlipidemia (24%), and diabetes (14%). During follow-up (median = 5.3 years), 75 (25%) individuals experienced MACE: stroke (3%), new/worsening HF (9%), HF exacerbation requiring hospitalization (2%), coronary revascularization (3%), and death (19%). Among individuals with imaging at baseline (n = 101), 37 (36.6%) had CAC, and statins were not prescribed in 11 (55.0%) patients with moderate/high CAC. For those with serial imaging (n = 61), 31.1% showed worsening CAC and 3% developed new CAC. Baseline CAC conferred a higher risk of MACE (HR = 4.79; 95% CI: 1.05-21.75, p = 0.04) after accounting for cancer-related deaths as a competing risk.

Conclusions: Subclinical atherosclerosis and MACE are common among patients with CRC. Integrating CAC from routine cancer imaging can identify patients who may benefit from cardio-preventive treatment.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; colorectal cancer; coronary artery calcium.