The burden of cardiovascular disease in prostate cancer: prevalence, pathophysiology, and implications for integrated...

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the two leading health issues in the world, with CVD being the leading cause of death in all age groups and cancer, particularly prostate cancer (PCa), emerging as a significant concern among elderly men. Common risk factors like metabolic disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, and hormone abnormalities have been theorized to be responsible for the increasing prevalence of these diseases. In this study, we examined the relationship between CVD and PCa, with emphasis on the pathophysiological events that connect them and how their coexistence affects patient outcomes. Common PCa treatments, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as well as androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI), have been linked to higher rates of hypertension, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and metabolic abnormalities. These cardiovascular side effects complicate the effective management of PCa, resulting in poorer overall results. It is essential to implement new integrated approaches to tackle these comorbid conditions. Recommendations include changes in lifestyle, personalized treatment plans, multidisciplinary collaborative efforts, and routine cardiovascular examinations for patients on PCa treatment. Evidence found that personalized exercise regimens and pharmaceutical treatments like statins and antihypertensives may lower cardiovascular risks and enhance outcomes in patients undergoing PCa treatment. Also, emerging technological interventions like wearable devices and telemedicine, such as smartwatches and mobile ambulatory blood pressure monitors (ABPMs), offer real-time cardiovascular monitoring and improve health outcomes among these patients. This study identifies the substantial gaps in clinical guidelines, notably in cardio-oncology integration, and emphasizes the importance of further research into biomarkers, shared inflammatory pathways, and individualized therapy methods. Hence, addressing these gaps will enable a more comprehensive approach to patient care, improving their quality of life and survival.