Why the study?
Although oncological treatments are known to induce cardiac toxicity, the impact of new-onset cancer in patients with pre-existing HF remains unknown.
Heart failure and cancer share common pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors, leading to an increased risk of incident cancer in HF patients and necessitating specialized cardio-oncology care.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Oncological treatments are known to induce cardiac toxicity, but the impact of new-onset cancer in patients with pre-existing HF remains unknown. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical implications of HF patients who develop malignancies. RECENT FINDINGS: Novel findings suggest that HF and cancer, beside common risk factors, are deeply linked by shared pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, HF itself may enhance carcinogenesis by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it has been suggested that neurohormonal activation, commonly associated with the failing heart, might play a pivotal role in promoting neoplastic transformation. The risk of malignancies seems to be higher in HF patients compared to the general population, probably due to shared risk factors and common pathophysiological pathways. Additionally, management of these patients represents a challenge for clinicians, considering that the co-existence of these diseases significantly worsens patients' prognosis and negatively affects therapeutic options for both diseases.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cuomo et al. (2021) conducted a review in Heart Failure and Cancer. Heart failure vs. General population without heart failure was evaluated.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: