Evaluating the risk of methadone and QTc interval prolongation in an oncologic population
Authors' conclusion
In this large retrospective cohort of oncology patients receiving methadone for pain management, methadone was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in QTc interval ≥12 months after starting therapy, with a mean increase of approximately 4 ms.
Study context
- Population
- Adults receiving methadone for cancer-related pain
- Participants
- 492 adults
- Exposure
- QTc interval after vs before methadone initiation
- Outcome
- Change in QTc interval from baseline (ECG within 12 months before methadone initiation)
- Follow-up
- 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and ≥12 months after initiation
Methodological detailsretrospective chart review, linear mixed-effects model
- Retrospective chart review
- Linear mixed-effects model
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
QTc interval change · ≥12 months after methadone initiation
Statistically significant increase in QTc at ≥12 months after methadone initiation
4.36 ms
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
- Cardiac comorbidities associated with statistically significant increase in QTc
- 9.40 ms
- No other demographic or clinical characteristic associated with a statistically significant change in QTc
Safety
Proportion of patients with QTc prolongation
- Baseline
- 3%
- After 12 months following methadone initiation
- 6.8%
Original publication
Evaluating the risk of methadone and QTc interval prolongation in an oncologic population. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 17 February 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →