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The Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiotoxicity Induced by HER2, VEGF, and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: an Updated Review
Qinchao Wu1, Baochen Bai1, Chao Tian1
1Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, 266100, Shandong, China.
Aim:
In recent decades, there has been a revolutionary decrease in cancer-related mortality and an increase in survival due to the introduction of novel targeted drugs. Nevertheless, drugs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), angiogenesis, and other tyrosine kinases also come with unexpected cardiac side effects, including heart failure, hypertension, arterial thrombosis, and arrhythmias, and have mechanisms that are unlike those of classic chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, it is challenging to address some problems, as the existing guidelines need to be more specific, and further large-scale clinical trials and experimental studies are required to confirm the benefit of administering cardioprotective agents to patients treated with targeted therapies. Therefore, an improved understanding of cardiotoxicity becomes increasingly important to minimize the pernicious effects and maximize the beneficial effects of targeted agents.
Methods:
"Cardiotoxicity", "targeted drugs", "HER2", "trastuzumab", "angiogenesis inhibitor", "VEGF inhibitor" and "tyrosine kinase inhibitors" are used as keywords for article searches.
Results:
In this article, we report several targeted therapies that induce cardiotoxicity and update knowledge of the clinical evidence, molecular mechanisms, and management measures.
Insights
Novel targeted cancer drugs improve survival but can cause heart problems. Understanding cardiotoxicity from targeted therapies like HER2 and VEGF inhibitors is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted cancer therapies have improved survival rates.
- These novel drugs, including HER2 and angiogenesis inhibitors, can cause significant cardiac side effects.
- Current guidelines for managing cardiotoxicity are insufficient, necessitating further research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review targeted therapies associated with cardiotoxicity.
- To update knowledge on the clinical evidence, molecular mechanisms, and management of cardiotoxicity.
- To highlight the importance of understanding cardiotoxicity for optimizing targeted cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of targeted therapies and their cardiotoxic effects.
- Analysis of clinical evidence and molecular mechanisms.
- Examination of current management strategies and guidelines.
Main Results:
- Several targeted therapies, including HER2 inhibitors (e.g., trastuzumab) and VEGF inhibitors, are associated with cardiotoxicity.
- Mechanisms of cardiotoxicity differ from traditional chemotherapy.
- Clinical manifestations include heart failure, hypertension, thrombosis, and arrhythmias.
Conclusions:
- Improved understanding of cardiotoxicity is essential for managing patients on targeted therapies.
- Further clinical trials and experimental studies are needed to refine management strategies.
- Cardioprotective strategies may be beneficial for patients receiving targeted agents.
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