Understanding and Mitigating Cardiotoxicity in Anticancer Drug Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Cancer and heart disease stand as the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality. Although advancements in cancer treatment have improved survival rates, the associated cardiovascular risks cannot be overlooked. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between cancer treatment and adverse cardiovascular events, emphasizing the critical role of factors such as drug type, dosage, administration mode, and treatment duration. Cardiotoxicity, which manifests as irreversible damage or reversible dysfunction, poses a significant challenge, with myocardial dysfunction potentially progressing to congestive heart failure. Various cardiac events, including hypertension, ischemia, and rhythm abnormalities, may be linked to cancer treatments, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their impact on the cardiovascular system. The review sheds light on the unexpected rates of cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients receiving both traditional chemotherapy drugs and novel chemotherapy drugs. Strategies for mitigating cardiovascular damage are explored, encompassing both synthetic medications and natural products as potential cardio protectants. The paper comprehensively explores the cellular and molecular pathways leading to cardiotoxicity induced by targeted therapy and chemotherapy. Additionally, it discusses cardioprotective tactics crucial for managing acute and chronic manifestations of cardiac damage, as well as diagnostic blood biomarkers for early detection. In light of the growing intersection between cancer and cardiovascular health, implementing effective strategies to safeguard the health of patients during cancer treatment becomes imperative for providing optimal patient care.