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Cardiac side effects of targeted therapies
Objectives:
To review common cardiac side effects, their clinical presentation, and recommendations for assessment and management of patients receiving molecularly targeted cancer therapies.
Data Sources:
Peer-reviewed literature.
Conclusion:
Although there is no established guideline for pretreatment cardiac evaluation and monitoring of patients receiving molecularly targeted agents, data currently supports the need for early risk identification and prevention/reduction strategies.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
As nurses, we have a unique opportunity to help improve and maintain the quality of life of cancer survivors. Cardiovascular assessment and prevention/reduction strategies are essential to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, promote optimal quality of life, and improve survival outcomes in patients receiving molecularly targeted cancer treatment.
Insights
Molecularly targeted cancer therapies can cause cardiac side effects. Early risk identification and prevention strategies are crucial for improving cancer survivors' quality of life and survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Molecularly targeted cancer therapies offer personalized treatment approaches.
- These therapies, while effective, are associated with significant cardiac side effects.
- Understanding and managing these cardiotoxicities is vital for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common cardiac side effects of molecularly targeted cancer therapies.
- To outline their clinical presentation.
- To provide recommendations for assessment and management.
Main Methods:
- A review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted.
- The focus was on identifying cardiac toxicities associated with targeted agents.
- Evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice were synthesized.
Main Results:
- Molecularly targeted agents can induce a range of cardiac adverse events.
- Early identification of at-risk patients is supported by current data.
- Proactive prevention and reduction strategies are recommended.
Conclusions:
- No established guidelines exist for pre-treatment cardiac evaluation for these agents.
- Early risk identification and management are essential.
- Nurses play a key role in cardiovascular assessment and prevention to improve quality of life and survival in cancer patients.
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