Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment
Published on: January 7, 2015
Sorafenib-associated multivessel coronary artery vasospasm
T Naib1, R M Steingart, C L Chen
1Division of Cardiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Cardiotoxicity associated with cancer treatment is an important field of interest especially as the new class of VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors (VSP) continues to grow. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib, sunitinib, and pazopanib inhibit the downstream pathways of all three of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR 1, 2, and 3). Other targets of these agents include kinases involved in vascular and myocardial homoeostasis. These agents are all known to frequently cause hypertension, their most common side-effect. Myocardial ischemia has also been reported, but the frequency and etiology of VSP-related ischemia is poorly characterized. This manuscript describes the first reported case of sorafenib-associated multivessel coronary vasospasm in a 57-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. He underwent sorafenib treatment, a tyrosinase inhibitor, 400 mg twice a day. The vasospasm was reversible under nitroglycerin. Possible mechanisms are also discussed.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway inhibitors (VSP) can cause cardiotoxicity. This study reports the first case of sorafenib-induced multivessel coronary vasospasm, a reversible side effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer therapies increasingly utilize VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors (VSP).
- These inhibitors target VEGFRs and other kinases crucial for vascular and myocardial homeostasis.
- Hypertension is a common side effect, but VSP-related myocardial ischemia is poorly understood.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old patient with hepatocellular carcinoma developed multivessel coronary vasospasm.
- The patient was undergoing treatment with sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
- Coronary vasospasm resolved upon administration of nitroglycerin.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of sorafenib-associated multivessel coronary vasospasm.
- Sorafenib, a VSP inhibitor, can induce coronary artery vasospasm.
- The vasospastic event was reversible with medical intervention.
Implications:
- Highlights a potential mechanism for cardiotoxicity with VSP inhibitors.
- Suggests the need for vigilance regarding coronary vasospasm in patients receiving sorafenib.
- Warrants further investigation into the mechanisms of VSP inhibitor-induced cardiovascular events.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Vascular Spasm
Portal Hypertension
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors

