The Inflammation-Mediated Bidirectional Relationship Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Inflammation Biology

Background:

• Cancer and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are leading global causes of death.
• These diseases are increasingly recognized as biologically interconnected, not separate entities.
• Chronic inflammation is a potential key link, influencing shared pathways like endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and thrombosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the bidirectional relationship between ASCVD and cancer.
• To explore how shared inflammatory pathways connect these diseases.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these common mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing epidemiologic and mechanistic data.
• Analysis of scientific literature on cancer-cardiovascular disease links.
• Identification of shared biological pathways and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Epidemiologic data show increased cancer incidence in ASCVD patients and accelerated vascular disease in cancer survivors.
• Shared inflammatory pathways, including endothelial dysfunction and thrombosis, contribute to both cancer progression and ASCVD.
• Emerging evidence suggests targeting shared pathways may offer dual benefits.

Conclusions:

• ASCVD and cancer share common biological underpinnings, particularly chronic inflammation.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting shared pathways (e.g., statins, IL-6 inhibition, lifestyle changes) hold promise for dual prevention and treatment.
• Further biomarker-guided trials with integrated cardiovascular and oncologic endpoints are necessary to confirm causality and optimize management.