Hypertension in Cardio-Oncology Clinic: an update on etiology, assessment, and management

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hypertension is a frequent comorbidity in cancer patients, significantly increasing cancer-related mortality.
• Cancer patients exhibit a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to the general population.
• Certain cancer therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and VEGF inhibitors, are known to induce hypertension, particularly in older patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the etiologies of cancer treatment-induced hypertension.
• To explore novel diagnostic and management strategies for this condition.
• To provide a practical guide for clinicians on managing hypertension in cancer patients, addressing treatment thresholds, targets, and agent selection.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on recent advancements in understanding and managing cancer treatment-induced hypertension.
• Analysis of current guidelines and evidence regarding cardiovascular toxicities in cancer care.
• Synthesis of information on diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Cancer treatment-induced hypertension is a growing concern with complex etiologies.
• There is a need for updated guidelines to manage cardiovascular toxicities in cancer patients.
• Optimal treatment strategies involve careful consideration of initiation thresholds, target blood pressure, and appropriate antihypertensive agents.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced understanding of hypertension etiology in cancer patients is crucial.
• Innovative diagnostic and management approaches are needed to address this challenge.
• This review offers a practical framework to guide clinical decisions in managing hypertension in cancer patients.