Cardiotoxicity Induced by Protein Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Kinase inhibitors (KIs) are crucial in treating solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
• These drugs target various protein kinases and are used in tumors with specific predictive factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the common and less common cardiotoxic effects of kinase inhibitors.
• To discuss guidelines for cardiac monitoring and management of KI-induced cardiotoxicity.
• To explore potential signaling pathways involved in KI cardiovascular damage.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of kinase inhibitors and their cardiovascular effects.
• Analysis of reported cardiotoxic events associated with KIs.
• Discussion of current cardiac monitoring and management guidelines.

Main Results:

• Common cardiotoxic effects include hypertension, arrhythmias (bradycardia, QTc prolongation), and cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure.
• Less common effects encompass fluid retention, ischemic heart disease, and thromboembolic events.
• Potential signaling pathways contributing to cardiac damage are identified.

Conclusions:

• Kinase inhibitors present significant cardiovascular risks that require careful monitoring and management.
• Further research into the molecular mechanisms of KI cardiotoxicity is essential for improved patient outcomes.
• Understanding these mechanisms can lead to safer and more effective cancer therapies.