Association between Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Another Brick in...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are revolutionizing cancer treatment, improving patient survival across various malignancies.
• While effective, ICIs can induce severe immune-related adverse events, notably cardiovascular complications.
• Myocarditis was an early concern, but emerging evidence links ICIs to broader cardiovascular issues, including accelerated atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular mechanisms connecting ICIs to cardiovascular diseases.
• To comprehensively examine the role of inflammation in ICI-associated atherosclerosis.
• To outline preventive therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular complications in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical data.
• Analysis of molecular pathways involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis.
• Synthesis of current therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular risk mitigation.

Main Results:

• ICIs are associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and major adverse cardiovascular events (e.g., ischemic heart disease, stroke).
• Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of ICI-related cardiovascular toxicity.
• Understanding these pathways is key to developing targeted preventive strategies.

Conclusions:

• ICIs pose significant cardiovascular risks beyond myocarditis, including accelerated atherosclerosis.
• Targeting inflammatory pathways may mitigate ICI-induced cardiovascular adverse events.
• Proactive cardiovascular care is essential for patients undergoing immunotherapy.