Cardiovascular disease and malignant melanoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Systemic therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and BRAF-MEK inhibitors, have significantly improved outcomes for advanced melanoma.
• Increased survival rates in melanoma patients highlight the growing importance of long-term health, particularly cardiovascular well-being.
• Emerging evidence links cancer treatments to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors in melanoma patients.
• To emphasize the importance of cardiovascular risk modification in this growing patient population.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of observational studies and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials in melanoma.
• Discussion of systemic therapies and their potential cardiac toxicities.

Main Results:

• Systemic melanoma therapies are associated with cardiac toxicities, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocarditis, and stroke.
• Melanoma survivorship necessitates a focus on managing treatment-related cardiovascular risks.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular health is a critical consideration for melanoma patients undergoing systemic therapy.
• Proactive cardiovascular risk management is essential for improving the long-term prognosis and quality of life for melanoma survivors.