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Cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy
Merna A Armanious1, Homan Mohammadi2, Sara Khodor3
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33606; Cardio-Oncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612.
Current Problems in Cancer
|July 15, 2018
Summary
Radiation therapy (RT) can cause significant cardiovascular and autonomic toxicities in cancer survivors, leading to long-term health issues. Understanding these risks and implementing mitigation strategies is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Radiation therapy (RT) is a cornerstone in cancer treatment, with increasing survival rates.
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-malignancy-related death in cancer survivors.
- RT can induce acute and late toxicities affecting cardiac and autonomic function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the adverse effects of RT on cardiovascular and autonomic systems.
- To discuss strategies for mitigating RT-induced toxicities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on radiation-induced cardiovascular and autonomic toxicities.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and long-term outcomes.
- Evaluation of risk reduction strategies.
Main Results:
- RT can cause myopericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure, and conduction abnormalities.
- Neck and cranial RT are linked to carotid artery disease, autonomic dysfunction, and metabolic syndromes.
- Toxicities may manifest years after RT completion.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular and autonomic toxicities are significant concerns for cancer survivors treated with RT.
- Proactive risk assessment and mitigation strategies are essential to minimize adverse outcomes.
- Further research into novel protective measures is warranted.
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