Cardiotoxicity Induced by Targeted Cancer Therapies: Understanding the Risks and Developing Solutions

Area of Science:

• Cardio-oncology
• Translational research
• Cancer therapy

Background:

• Targeted cancer therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), HER2 inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, are effective but can cause cardiotoxicity.
• The mechanisms of cardiotoxicity involve shared signaling pathways between cancer and cardiac physiology.
• Cardiovascular complications are a significant clinical concern in patients undergoing targeted cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity induced by targeted cancer therapies.
• To outline diagnostic and preventive strategies for managing cardiotoxicity.
• To highlight emerging cardio-oncology approaches for better patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review of preclinical and clinical studies was performed.
• Analysis of cardiovascular effects across major targeted therapeutic classes.
• Critical examination of mechanistic insights, diagnostic tools, monitoring, and clinical trials.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies induce cardiotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, endothelial injury, and inflammation.
• Clinical manifestations include hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure, and myocardial ischemia.
• Diagnosis involves echocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, and ECG; management includes risk assessment, dose modification, cardioprotective agents, and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is essential for managing cardiotoxicity.
• Individualized therapy using predictive biomarkers and advanced imaging can balance treatment efficacy and cardiovascular safety.
• Improved long-term survivorship and quality of life depend on integrated cardiovascular surveillance in cancer care.