Table 3 Grades of hypertension resulting as a side effect of cancer therapy per the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) [39]

Grade 1

Mild; asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observations only; intervention not indicated

Systolic BP 120–139 mmHg or diastolic BP 80–89 mmHg

Grade 2

Moderate; minimal, local or non-invasive intervention indicated; limiting age-appropriate instrumental ADL

Systolic BP 140–159 mmHg or diastolic BP 90–99 mmHg;

Recurrent or persistent elevation (>  24 h);

Symptomatic increase by > 20 mmHg (diastolic) or to > 140/90 mmHg if previously WNL;

Monotherapy is indicated

Grade 3

Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; disabling; limiting self-care ADL

Systolic BP > 160 mmHg or diastolic BP > 100 mmHg;

Medical intervention is indicated;

Requires more intensive therapy than previously used or more than one drug

Grade 4

Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated

Life-threatening consequences (malignant hypertension, transient or permanent neurological deficit, hypertensive crisis);

Urgent intervention is indicated

Grade 5

Death related to AE

Death