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[Mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of oncological therapies]
L H Lehmann1,2,3, S Fröhling4,5
1Innere Medizin III, Abteilung für Kardiologie, Pneumologie und Angiologie, Sektion Kardio-Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland. Lorenz.Lehmann@med.uni-heidelberg.de.
Background:
Oncological therapies show a number of undesired adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. In particular, the side effects of recently established oncological therapies are incompletely understood and clinical data are lacking in the interpretation of novel cardiac complications.
Objective:
This article provides a short overview of the mechanisms of cardiac side effects of certain oncological therapies.
Material And Methods:
The review is mainly based on data from preclinical studies.
Results:
Numerous toxic side effects have already been described and investigated in preclinical models. For certain groups of drugs (e.g. anthracyclines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors) the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood.
Conclusion:
An improved understanding of the molecular mechanism involved in cardiotoxicity might help improve the quality of clinical decisions. Additionally, it will provide new insights into the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases. The aim is to use the results of translational research and to clinically implement them in suitable cardio-oncology units.
Insights
Cancer therapies can harm the heart, with mechanisms for new treatments like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors not fully understood. Improved knowledge of cardiotoxicity aids clinical decisions and cardiac disease insights.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Oncological therapies frequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects.
- The cardiac complications of novel cancer treatments are not well understood, with limited clinical data.
- Understanding these side effects is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a concise overview of the mechanisms underlying cardiac side effects of specific oncological therapies.
- To highlight the knowledge gaps in the cardiotoxicity of newer cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- The review synthesizes data primarily from preclinical studies.
- It examines existing literature on drug-induced cardiotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Preclinical models reveal numerous toxic side effects of oncological drugs.
- Molecular mechanisms of cardiotoxicity for anthracyclines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors remain incompletely understood.
- Significant research is needed to elucidate these pathways.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced understanding of cardiotoxicity mechanisms can improve clinical decision-making in oncology.
- This knowledge offers new insights into the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases.
- Translational research findings should be implemented in clinical cardio-oncology settings.
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