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04:48
Chemotherapy-induced Vascular Toxicity - Real-time In vivo Imaging of Vessel Impairment
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CARDIOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF CHEMOTHERAPY IN BREAST CANCER: A SCOPING REVIEW
O A Orimolade1,2, O S Ogah1,2, O A Ajagbe3,4
1Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Annals of Ibadan Postgraduate Medicine
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Chemotherapy for breast cancer can cause heart damage, especially with anthracyclines. Early detection and preventive strategies are crucial for managing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardio-oncology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chemotherapy, a vital breast cancer treatment, poses risks of cardiovascular toxicity.
- Anthracyclines are a key concern due to their dose-dependent cardiotoxic effects.
- Cardiotoxicity can negatively impact long-term patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients.
- To focus on anthracycline-related cardiac dysfunction, including its epidemiology, mechanisms, risk factors, detection, and prevention.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review of peer-reviewed literature.
- Searches were conducted across major databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
- Included studies focused on cardiovascular complications associated with chemotherapy in breast cancer.
Main Results:
- Cardiotoxicity risk correlates with cumulative anthracycline dose, combination therapy (e.g., with trastuzumab), and pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
- Mechanisms involve oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and topoisomerase II inhibition.
- Early detection via echocardiography and biomarkers, alongside preventive measures (dose adjustment, cardioprotective agents), shows significant benefit.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is a significant clinical challenge in breast cancer care.
- Implementing early detection, risk stratification, and integrated cardio-oncology care is essential.
- These strategies are vital for improving treatment outcomes and long-term health for breast cancer patients.
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