Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Cardiotoxicity Associated with Antineoplastic Therapy: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Personalized Monitoring Using
Abstract:
Background: Cardiotoxicity associated with antineoplastic therapy may compromise both cardiovascular outcomes and continuity of cancer treatment. We evaluated a multimodal strategy based on radionuclide imaging and molecular biomarkers for early detection of subclinical cardiac dysfunction and for personalized monitoring applicable in multidisciplinary oncologic care. Methodology: In this prospective, observational, single-center study, 90 adults with breast cancer, lymphoma, or lung cancer receiving potentially cardiotoxic regimens were evaluated at baseline (T0), after 3-4 cycles (T1), at treatment completion (T2), and at 6-month follow-up (T3). Antineoplastic exposure was classified according to dominant cardiotoxic profile, including anthracycline-containing regimens, anti-HER2 therapy, platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents when used. Monitoring included clinical assessment, ECG, MUGA/gated SPECT, echocardiography with LVEF and GLS, and serial hs-Tn, NT-proBNP, and sST2. Results: Median age was 56 years, and 62% of patients were women. Mean baseline LVEF was 60Ã+-5% and mean GLS â? '19.5Ã+-2.1%. During treatment, hs-Tn, NT-proBNP, and sST2 increased progressively, while LVEF declined to 57Ã+-6% and GLS to â? '16.6Ã+-2.5% at treatment completion. Imaging-defined cardiac dysfunction occurred in 30% of patients, including overt cardiotoxicity in 10%. Changes in hs-Tn correlated most strongly with GLS (r=â? '0.42, p=0.002). The integrated model showed the best predictive performance (AUC 0.91). Conclusions: Beyond diagnostic value, this multimodal model may support multidisciplinary decision-making in surgical oncology by identifying patients who require intensified surveillance, early cardioprotection, preoperative optimization, or adjustment of treatment sequencing. The findings should be interpreted as clinically promising and hypothesis-generating, requiring multicenter validation before routine implementation.
Insights
A new multimodal strategy using imaging and biomarkers can detect early cardiotoxicity in cancer patients. This approach aids multidisciplinary teams in personalizing cancer treatment and cardiac surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Cardiotoxicity from cancer therapies can negatively impact patient outcomes and treatment adherence.
- Early detection of subclinical cardiac dysfunction is crucial for managing cancer patients undergoing cardiotoxic treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a multimodal strategy for early detection of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients.
- To assess the utility of radionuclide imaging and molecular biomarkers for personalized monitoring in oncologic care.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 90 adult cancer patients (breast, lymphoma, lung) receiving cardiotoxic regimens.
- Monitoring included clinical assessment, ECG, MUGA/gated SPECT, echocardiography (LVEF, GLS), and biomarkers (hs-Tn, NT-proBNP, sST2).
- Patients were evaluated at baseline, mid-treatment, end-treatment, and 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Progressive increases in hs-Tn, NT-proBNP, and sST2 were observed during treatment.
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) declined, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) decreased, indicating cardiac dysfunction.
- 30% of patients showed imaging-defined cardiac dysfunction, with 10% experiencing overt cardiotoxicity. hs-Tn changes strongly correlated with GLS.
- An integrated multimodal model demonstrated high predictive performance (AUC 0.91).
Conclusions:
- The multimodal strategy effectively identifies cancer patients at risk for cardiotoxicity.
- This approach supports multidisciplinary decision-making for intensified surveillance and tailored cardioprotective interventions.
- Findings are clinically promising but require multicenter validation for routine implementation.
Related Concept Videos
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
