[Cardiac toxicity and edema].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Cancer therapies, including anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin) and molecular targeted agents (e.g., trastuzumab, imatinib), have been associated with significant cardiac toxicity since the 1970s.
• The incidence of drug-induced cardiac toxicity has risen due to advancements in multidisciplinary cancer care, high-dose chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Cardiac dysfunction and edema are recognized adverse events, with mechanisms often undefined, necessitating careful patient management.

Purpose:

• To review the current understanding of anticancer drug-induced cardiac toxicity and edema.
• To highlight the importance of cardiac function monitoring during cancer treatment.
• To emphasize the need for further research into the mechanisms and treatment of these adverse events.

Summary:

• Anticancer drugs, particularly anthracyclines and molecular targeted agents, can cause cardiac toxicity, potentially leading to irreversible dysfunction.
• Molecular targeted agents like imatinib can also induce edema, a relatively new adverse event requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
• Current management strategies focus on pre-treatment cardiac evaluation and on-treatment monitoring, with only symptomatic treatments available for edema.

Impact:

• Early detection and monitoring of cardiac function are crucial for managing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.
• Understanding the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity and edema is essential for developing effective preventative and therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into novel treatments for anticancer drug-induced cardiac complications is warranted to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.