Personalized Care in the Prevention of Treatment-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Female Cancer Survivors

Background: The American Cancer Society projects the number of U.S. cancer survivors to exceed 20 million individuals by 2026. However, approximately one in four cancer survivors report decreased quality of life due to physical dysfunction and disabling symptoms. Many effective anticancer treatments are now understood to be associated with cardiotoxicity, such that, for many survivors, the risk of death from cardiovascular disease now exceeds that of recurrent cancer. Materials and Methods: We undertook a Clinical Review of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) associated with standard treatment regimens with attention to risks experienced by female cancer patients and survivors. Results: Risks of standard (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and targeted (antibodies, kinase inhibitors) in development of CTCRD in females are discussed. Multidisciplinary approaches in prevention are reviewed. Conclusions: Female cancer survivors with CTRCD represent an entirely new population at high risk of morbidity and mortality. Increased awareness of the short- and long-term effects of anti-cancer treatments is necessary for the community health care provider for early detection and CTRCD risk reduction.