Clonal Hematopoiesis in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is prevalent in cancer survivors and may increase cancer risk.
• Shared risk factors like aging, inflammation, and immune dysregulation link cancer and CVD.
• Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is associated with immune dysregulation and is a known CVD risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking CH to solid organ malignancies.
• To explore CH as a shared risk factor for both CVD and cancer.
• To discuss mechanisms by which CH may contribute to CVD in cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on CH, cancer, and CVD.
• Analysis of the relationship between CH and solid organ cancers.
• Exploration of potential biological pathways connecting CH to both diseases.

Main Results:

• CH is established as a risk factor for CVD.
• The association between CH and solid organ cancers is less understood but emerging.
• CH may play a role in the development of both cancer and CVD.

Conclusions:

• CH is a potential shared underlying mechanism for cancer and CVD.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of CH in solid organ malignancies.
• Understanding CH could lead to novel strategies for preventing CVD in cancer patients.