Inflammation in cardio-oncology and psychological disorders: mechanisms, biomarkers, pain management, and therapeutic strategies

Chronic inflammation is the key pathophysiological link between psychological disorders and cardio-oncology, two seemingly separate clinical domains with increasingly acknowledged interdependencies. The inflammatory cascade not only plays a role in the etiology and development of several psychological disorders but is also a common biological substrate for cardiovascular difficulties in cancer patients (cardio-oncology). Despite mounting evidence of this tripartite link, clinical practice still uses fragmented integrated approaches to treating these interrelated illnesses. The purpose of this review is to compile the most recent data regarding the inflammatory pathways that are common to psychological illnesses, oncological processes, and cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatment. We examine how psychological discomfort in cancer patients worsens cardiovascular outcomes and how cardiovascular problems affect psychological well-being oppositely. Additionally, we assess new inflammatory biomarkers that may be useful for both diagnosis and prognosis in these disorders. This review offers a thorough framework for clinicians and researchers to address the intricate relationships between cancer treatment, psychological functioning, and cardiovascular health. It does so by looking at the most recent developments in anti-inflammatory interventions, pain management techniques, and integrated therapeutic approaches. Our goal is to draw attention to potential targeted therapies that use inflammatory pathway regulation to address several facets of this clinical triad at once.