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Targeted therapies in breast cancer: are heart and vessels also being targeted?

Carmen Criscitiello1, Otto Metzger-Filho, Kamal S Saini

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. joelle.masina@bordet.be

Breast Cancer Research : BCR
|June 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapies, while intended for precision, can cause significant cardiac side effects. This review assesses cardiovascular risks of HER2 and antiangiogenic agents in breast cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Targeted therapies aim for specific cancer cell action, minimizing side effects.
  • Approved targeted therapies for breast cancer, including anti-HER2 agents (trastuzumab, lapatinib) and bevacizumab, are associated with notable cardiovascular adverse events.
  • These events range from left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure to hypertension and thromboembolic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and assess the incidence of cardiac adverse events.
  • Focus on targeted therapies targeting HER2 and angiogenic pathways in breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies and trials.
  • Analysis of reported cardiovascular adverse events associated with specific targeted agents and their combinations.

Main Results:

  • Anti-HER2 agents like trastuzumab and lapatinib are linked to left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure.
  • Bevacizumab, an antiangiogenic drug, increases risks of hypertension, cardiovascular dysfunction, and thromboembolic events.
  • Combinations of these agents may further elevate cardiac risks.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies for breast cancer, particularly those inhibiting HER2 and angiogenesis, carry a significant risk of cardiac adverse events.
  • Clinical monitoring for cardiovascular complications is crucial in patients receiving these treatments.
  • Further research is needed to understand and mitigate these cardiotoxic effects.

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