Insights into cardiovascular side-effects of modern anticancer therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Modern anticancer therapeutics are associated with significant cardiovascular side-effects.
• Cardiovascular complications pose a challenge for treating physicians, requiring careful monitoring and management.
• Understanding these side-effects is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review approved novel cancer therapeutics and their associated cardiovascular side-effects.
• To discuss the prognosis and potential treatment strategies for these adverse events.
• To compare the cardiovascular effects of novel agents with conventional cardiotoxic chemotherapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of approved novel cancer therapeutics.
• Analysis of reported cardiovascular side-effects, including ischemia, arrhythmias, cardiac dysfunction, heart failure, and hypertension.
• Comparison of side-effect profiles between novel agents and traditional chemotherapy.

Main Results:

• Novel anticancer drugs can induce cardiovascular ischemia, arrhythmias, cardiac dysfunction, heart failure, and hypertension.
• Anti-HER2 drugs like trastuzumab are linked to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure, often reversible post-treatment.
• Antiangiogenic agents can cause hypertension, thromboembolism, and QTc prolongation, with high rates of hypertension observed.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular side-effects from modern anticancer drugs are a significant clinical concern.
• Vigilant attention, proactive prevention, and timely treatment are essential for managing these adverse events.
• Further controlled studies are needed to establish optimal preventive and treatment strategies.