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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment
Published on: January 7, 2015
Cardiovascular toxicity of biologic agents for cancer therapy
Abstract:
There has been significant progress in the development of new anticancer therapies over the last decade.Targeted therapies, including anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 agents, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have been important components of current treatment strategies. However, many of these therapies have been associated with chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction. While newer targeted agents provide "on-target" anticancer activity, their "off-target" drug effects encompass a wide range of cardiovascular toxicities. Many of these toxicities are reversible, but they may limit the use and length of treatment and compromise its efficacy. Oncologists are often the first to diagnose chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction, although patients with advanced cardiotoxicity are referred to cardiologists for further care. The field of cardio-oncology has emerged as a necessary discipline to address these disabling complications. In order to prevent late-stage cardiotoxicity, an early collaborative effort between oncologists and cardiologists is warranted to risk-stratify patients prior to therapy and to treat at the earliest signs of cardiotoxicity. It is therefore of utmost importance for oncologists to be aware of the cardiotoxicities of anticancer therapies, and to be familiar with modifiable risk factors and early interventions that can prevent long-term cardiac damage.
Insights
New anticancer therapies offer benefits but can cause heart problems. Early collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is crucial for managing chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction and preventing long-term damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Significant advancements in anticancer therapies have been made.
- Targeted therapies like anti-HER2 agents, VEGF inhibitors, and TKIs are key treatments.
- These therapies can lead to chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CRC) and cardiovascular toxicities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the cardiotoxicities associated with modern anticancer therapies.
- To emphasize the need for early collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists in cardio-oncology.
- To underscore the importance of risk stratification and early intervention for preventing cardiotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on targeted anticancer therapies and their cardiovascular side effects.
- Discussion of the role of oncologists and cardiologists in managing cardiotoxicity.
- Emphasis on preventative strategies and early detection of cardiac dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Targeted anticancer agents, while effective, have off-target effects causing various cardiovascular toxicities.
- These toxicities, though often reversible, can limit treatment efficacy and duration.
- Oncologists are often the first to identify CRC, necessitating referral to cardiologists.
Conclusions:
- Cardio-oncology is an emerging, essential discipline to manage treatment-related cardiac complications.
- Preventing late-stage cardiotoxicity requires early risk stratification and collaborative care.
- Oncologists must be aware of anticancer drug toxicities, risk factors, and early interventions to preserve cardiac health.
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