Cardiovascular toxicity of anticancer-targeted therapy: emerging issues in the era of cardio-oncology

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Molecular targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have revolutionized cancer treatment.
• These novel anticancer agents can induce significant cardiovascular toxicities, affecting heart function, rhythm, blood pressure, and circulation.
• The incidence, reversibility, and long-term safety of these drug-induced cardiovascular events remain areas of concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanistic basis of cardiotoxicity associated with targeted anticancer drugs.
• To provide clinical guidance for managing cardiovascular side effects in patients receiving these therapies.
• To highlight the importance of onco-vigilance in cardio-oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on targeted anticancer drugs and their cardiovascular effects.
• Analysis of mechanisms underlying drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
• Synthesis of clinical recommendations for patient management.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies can cause diverse cardiovascular toxicities, including left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and thromboembolic events.
• Understanding the mechanistic basis of cardiotoxicity is essential for predicting and mitigating risks.
• Effective patient management requires multidisciplinary collaboration for detection, treatment, and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular side effects are a significant concern with targeted anticancer therapies.
• A proactive, multidisciplinary approach involving cardio-oncology and onco-vigilance is vital for optimizing patient care and safety.
• Further research and robust pharmacovigilance systems are needed to address the challenges of drug-induced cardiovascular events.