Cardiac Complications in Cancer Patients Following Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Cardiac complications are critical concerns in the management of cancer patients, particularly following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These treatments, while effective against cancer, pose significant risks to cardiovascular health, potentially leading to conditions such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.

This study investigates the prevalence and nature of cardiac complications among cancer patients in Bangladesh who have undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both.

This prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted from April 2023 to May 2024 at the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 339 cancer patients, aged over 18, who received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both, were included. Patients were evaluated for cardiac complications during and after treatment using clinical assessments and diagnostic tests, while the clinical indicators were measured (e.g., ECG, ECHO, biomarkers). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), with statistical significance set at a P-value <0.05. Clinical features and cardiac complications were observed among the patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The mean age of participants was 52.4 years. Cardiac complications were observed in a significant proportion of patients. Statistically significant increases in hypertension, diabetes, and levels of cardiac biomarkers (Troponin-I, NT-proBNP, CK-MB) were noted post-treatment compared to pre-treatment values (P < 0.001). Specifically, 83 (24.5%) patients developed hypertension, 70 (20.6%) diabetes, and notable elevations in cardiac biomarkers were recorded, indicating heightened cardiac risk.

The study highlights a substantial burden of cardiac complications in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in Bangladesh. These findings underscore the need for integrated oncologic and cardiac care to monitor and manage cardiovascular health in cancer patients. Further research is necessary to develop targeted interventions to mitigate these risks in the Bangladeshi population.