September 28, 2018Open Access
Protecting the heart in cancer therapy
Key Result
Cancer therapeutics-induced cardiotoxicity is a progressive condition that requires structured prevention strategies, including risk factor modification and targeted cardioprotectants like dexrazoxane.
Structured PICO
P
Population
Cancer survivors and patients undergoing cancer therapy at risk for cancer therapeutics-induced cardiotoxicity
I
Intervention
Cardioprotective strategies, biomarkers, and diagnostic imaging modalities
This review provides a structured framework for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cancer therapeutics-induced cardiotoxicity, summarizing current expert consensus guidelines.
Abstract
Recent advances in cancer prevention and management have led to an exponential increase of cancer survivors worldwide. Regrettably, cardiovascular disease has risen in the aftermath as one of the most devastating consequences of cancer therapies. In this work, we define cancer therapeutics-induced cardiotoxicity as the direct or indirect cardiovascular injury or injurious effect caused by cancer therapies. We describe four progressive stages of this condition and four corresponding levels of prevention, each having a specific goal, focus, and means of action. We subsequently unfold this didactic framework, surveying mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, risk factors, cardioprotectants, biomarkers, and diagnostic imaging modalities. Finally, we outline the most current evidence-based recommendations in this area according to multidisciplinary expert consensus guidelines.