Key result
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy linked to accelerated STEMI 7 months after initiation in SCLC patient.
Why the study?
Cases of accelerated CAD occurring within a year of initiating cancer treatment are rarely reported despite common risk factors and cardiac effects of therapies.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the potential for accelerated coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction in patients receiving combination therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy) for lung cancer, emphasizing the need for vigilant cardiovascular monitoring.
May warrant closer cardiac surveillance with multimodal lung cancer therapy; hypothesis-generating and leaves open need for prospective data.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lung cancer are among the most prevalent causes of death worldwide, representing substantial public health challenges. The relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and lung cancer is potentially multifaceted, influenced by common risk factors and the adverse cardiac effects of cancer treatments. However, cases of accelerated CAD occurring within a year of cancer treatment initiation are rarely reported. We present a case of a Black American male undergoing combination therapy (chemotherapy/radiotherapy/immunotherapy) for small-cell lung cancer, who developed ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) seven months after beginning treatment. Although we do not have the official records, the patient reported that he had previously undergone a cardiac workup (including an echo/stress test) at an outside facility a year prior, due to persistent dyspnea, which was unremarkable. The patient underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention and was discharged on apixaban and prasugrel. This study underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in patients receiving lung cancer treatments, emphasizes the need for early recognition of warning signs, and highlights the critical role of risk factor management and enhanced surveillance in this vulnerable population.
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Tolu-Akinnawo et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Small-cell lung cancer and coronary artery disease (n=1). Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy was evaluated. A 62-year-old male with small-cell lung cancer developed an accelerated ST-elevation myocardial infarction seven months after initiating chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
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