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Lipid Disturbances in Breast Cancer Patients during Chemotherapy
Aikaterini Alimperti1, Victoria Alikari2, Maria Tsironi1
1Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, 22131 Tripolis, Greece.
Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy)
|November 21, 2023
Summary
Chemotherapy for breast cancer significantly alters lipid profiles, increasing total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels. Triglycerides (TGs) decreased, while High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) showed initial decreases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women.
- Cardiovascular diseases are frequent complications post-chemotherapy, linked to drug-induced lipid level alterations.
- Understanding chemotherapy's impact on lipid profiles is crucial for managing patient health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in lipid profiles of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- To assess alterations in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C during chemotherapy cycles.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 50 breast cancer patients.
- Lipid profiles (TC, TGs, HDL-C, LDL-C) measured pre-chemotherapy, at the first follow-up, and post-first cycle.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Main Results:
- Significant increases observed in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels by the second follow-up.
- Triglycerides (TGs) showed a significant decrease between the first and second follow-ups.
- High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) was lower at the first follow-up but returned to baseline by the second.
- Positive correlations found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and LDL-C/TC levels at various stages.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy for breast cancer leads to statistically significant elevations in TC and LDL-C.
- These lipid profile changes during treatment warrant clinical attention for cardiovascular risk management.
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