Cardiovascular toxicities of biological therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer development and progression are linked to specific molecular changes in cells.
• Molecular targeted therapies exploit this knowledge to inhibit critical cancer pathways.
• Normal cellular functions also rely on these pathways, posing a risk of adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on cardiotoxicity associated with molecular targeted therapies.
• To assess the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction in patients receiving targeted cancer treatments.
• To address concerns regarding the long-term cardiovascular effects of these therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on targeted cancer therapies and their cardiovascular effects.
• Analysis of data on adverse events, particularly cardiac events, associated with specific targeted agents (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, angiogenesis inhibitors).
• Evaluation of existing information on the transient nature and long-term implications of cardiotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and angiogenesis inhibitors, are associated with an increased risk of cardiac events.
• The cardiovascular impact of some targeted therapies appears transient.
• There is limited data on the long-term cardiotoxic effects of these treatments for widespread clinical use.

Conclusions:

• Molecular targeted therapies, while promising for cancer treatment, pose a risk of cardiovascular dysfunction.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term cardiotoxicity of targeted therapies.
• Concerns exist regarding potential increased cardiac disease risk in long-term survivors treated with molecular therapies.