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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment
Published on: January 7, 2015
Biomarkers for cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity
Jiaxin Song1, Shuqin Liu1, Xiaohui Shi1
1Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong) and School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Nantong, P.R. China; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, Joint International Research Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Organ Repair (Ministry of Education), School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT) represents a significant challenge, with molecular mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and direct cardiomyocyte damage. Common treatments such as anthracyclines and targeted therapies like trastuzumab are known to disrupt cardiac function through mechanisms including mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of ion channels, and induction of apoptosis. Traditional biomarkers for CTR-CVT have included cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides, which reflect acute myocardial injury and heart failure. Recent advances have introduced novel biomarkers such as microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-29 and miR-223-3p, and proteomic markers like immunoglobulins and cytokines, which offer insights into subclinical cardiac damage and inflammatory responses. High-throughput technologies, including aptamers and proximity extension assays, have further enhanced the ability to screen for biomarkers with increased specificity and sensitivity. Integrating these traditional and emerging biomarkers provides a comprehensive approach for early detection of CTR-CVT, ultimately helping improve patient outcomes in cancer therapy.
Insights
Cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT) poses a significant challenge. Novel biomarkers like microRNAs and proteomic markers improve early detection of CTR-CVT, enhancing cancer therapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT) is a major clinical challenge.
- Mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, and direct cardiomyocyte damage from therapies like anthracyclines and trastuzumab.
- Traditional biomarkers (troponins, natriuretic peptides) indicate acute injury but lack sensitivity for early CTR-CVT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review traditional and novel biomarkers for detecting cancer treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
- To highlight advancements in high-throughput technologies for biomarker screening.
- To emphasize the importance of integrated biomarker approaches for early CTR-CVT detection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for CTR-CVT.
- Discussion of traditional biomarkers (cardiac troponins, natriuretic peptides).
- Exploration of emerging biomarkers (miRNAs, proteomic markers) and high-throughput technologies (aptamers, proximity extension assays).
Main Results:
- Novel biomarkers such as specific microRNAs (miR-29, miR-223-3p) and proteomic markers (cytokines, immunoglobulins) show promise for detecting subclinical cardiac damage.
- High-throughput technologies enhance biomarker specificity and sensitivity for CTR-CVT.
- Integration of diverse biomarkers offers a comprehensive approach to CTR-CVT monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Early detection of CTR-CVT is crucial for managing cancer patients.
- Emerging biomarkers and advanced technologies significantly improve the ability to identify and monitor CTR-CVT.
- A comprehensive biomarker strategy can optimize patient outcomes during cancer therapy.
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