Metabolic syndrome after hormone-modifying therapy: risks associated with antineoplastic therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome incidence is rising, linked to cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and liver dysfunction.
• Metabolic syndrome is a known cancer risk factor.
• Emerging evidence suggests cancer therapies may induce metabolic syndrome in survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the link between cancer treatments and the development of metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors.
• To highlight the impact of hormone-modifying agents and novel therapies on metabolic health.
• To emphasize the importance of considering metabolic syndrome risk in cancer treatment decisions and follow-up care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating cancer therapies and metabolic syndrome.
• Analysis of evidence linking hormone suppression (androgen deprivation, anti-estrogen therapy) to metabolic syndrome features.
• Examination of associations between chemotherapy, mTOR inhibitors, and kinase inhibitors with metabolic syndrome components.

Main Results:

• Androgen suppression for prostate cancer is linked to dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk, and insulin resistance.
• Anti-estrogen therapy for breast cancer affects lipid profiles, cardiovascular risk, and liver function.
• Chemotherapy, mTOR inhibitors, and kinase inhibitors are associated with metabolic syndrome features.

Conclusions:

• Cancer therapies, particularly hormone-modifying agents and newer targeted drugs, pose a significant risk for developing metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors.
• Managing metabolic syndrome is crucial for the long-term health and survival of a growing cancer survivor population.
• Integrating metabolic syndrome risk assessment into cancer treatment planning and survivorship care is essential.