Cancer Risk in the Heart Failure Population: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications

Along with population aging, the incidence of both heart failure (HF) and cancer is increasing. However, little is known about new-onset cancer in HF patients. This review aims at showing recent discoveries concerning this subset of patients.

Not only cancer and HF share similar risk factors but also HF itself can stimulate cancer development. Some cytokines produced by the failing heart induce mild inflammation promoting carcinogenesis, as it has been recently suggested by an experimental model of HF in mice. The incidence of new-onset cancer is higher in HF patients compared to the general population, and it significantly worsens their prognosis. Moreover, the management of HF patients developing new-onset cancer is challenging, especially due to the limited therapeutic options for patients affected by both cancer and HF and the higher risk of cardiotoxicity from anticancer drugs.