Key result
Managing cardiotoxicity in elderly breast cancer patients requires individualized strategies weighing frailty and comorbidities.
Why the study?
Cardiotoxicity is a leading cause of mortality in elderly breast cancer patients, yet treatment is challenging due to a lack of specific evidence because this population is underrepresented in clinical trials.
Cardiotoxicity is a major challenge in elderly breast cancer patients, requiring comprehensive geriatric and cardio-oncological assessment due to a lack of specific trial evidence.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May warrant geriatric-cardio-oncology assessment in elderly breast cancer patients; leaves open evidence-based protocols pending prospective trials.
Cardiotoxicity is a leading cause of mortality in the growing populations of elderly breast cancer (BC) patients. Breast cancer treatment in the elderly is highly challenging due to its heterogeneous nature and the lack of specific evidence, as this population is usually underrepresented in randomized clinical trials. Decision making requires a comprehensive approach, considering the type and stage of BC, the patient's overall health status, life expectancy, geriatric and frailty assessment, the risk of cancer recurrence, comorbidities, cardiotoxicity risk, and the patient's preferences. The cardiotoxic effects of BC treatments cover the whole spectrum of cardiovascular diseases: heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia. Cardiotoxicity risk in these patients is defined by several factors: anticancer therapies, polypharmacy, established cardiovascular disease, comorbidities, frailty, cellular senescence, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Preventive oncological and cardio-oncological strategies, as well as patients' education, are critical for improved outcomes. Prospective clinical trials in this population are urgently needed.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Keramida et al. (2025) conducted a review in Breast cancer and cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity in elderly breast cancer patients requires individualized management considering frailty and comorbidities, highlighting an urgent need for prospective clinical trials.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: