Impacts of non-recovery of trastuzumab-induced cardiomyopathy on clinical outcomes in patients with breast cancer

Relevance of Cardiovascular Exercise in Cancer and Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) has been identified as a threat to overall and cancer-related survival. Although aerobic exercise training (AET) has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), the relationship between specific exercise regimens and cancer survival, heart failure development, and reduction of CTRCD is unclear. In this review, we discuss the impact of AET on molecular pathways and the current literature of sports in the field of cardio-oncology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cardio-oncological exercise trials have focused on variations of AET intensity by using moderate continuous and high intensity interval training, which are applicable, safe, and effective approaches to improve CRF. AET increases CRF, reduces cardiovascular morbidity and heart failure hospitalization and should thus be implemented as an adjunct to standard cancer therapy, although its long-term effect on CTRCD remains unknown. Despite modulating diverse molecular pathways, it remains unknown which exercise regimen, including variations of AET duration and frequency, is most suited to facilitate peripheral and central adaptations to exercise and improve survival in cancer patients.

Breast Cancer and Therapy-Related Cardiovascular Toxicity

The global incidence of breast cancer is on the rise, a trend also observed in South Korea. However, thanks to the rapid advancements in anticancer therapies, survival rates are improving. Consequently, post-treatment health and quality of life for breast cancer survivors are emerging as significant concerns, particularly regarding treatment-related cardiotoxicity. In this review, we delve into the cardiovascular complications associated with breast cancer treatment, explore surveillance protocols for early detection and diagnosis of late complications, and discuss protective strategies against cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients undergoing anticancer therapy, drawing from multiple guidelines.

Three-Year Outcomes Following Permissive Cardiotoxicity in Patients on Trastuzumab

INTRODUCTION

Cardiotoxicity, manifest by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), is the most common reason for the premature discontinuation of trastuzumab. While permissive cardiotoxicity (where mild cardiotoxicity is accepted to enable ongoing trastuzumab) has been shown feasible, the longer-term outcomes are unknown. We aimed to study the intermediate-term clinical outcomes of patients who underwent permissive cardiotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients referred to the cardio-oncology service at McMaster University from 2016 to 2021 for LV dysfunction following trastuzumab administration.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients underwent permissive cardiotoxicity. The median (25th-75th percentile) follow-up time from cardiotoxicity onset was 3 years (1.3-4 years). Forty-seven (92%) patients completed trastuzumab; 3 (6%) developed severe LV dysfunction or clinical heart failure (HF) while on trastuzumab and prematurely discontinued therapy. One discontinued trastuzumab by patient choice. At final follow-up after therapy completion, 7 (14%) patients still had mild cardiotoxicity, including 2 who had clinical heart failure and stopped trastuzumab early. Among those with recovered LV function, 50% had normalized LVEF or GLS by 6 and 3 months, respectively, after initial cardiotoxicity. There was no difference in characteristics between those who did or did not recover their LV function.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients exposed to permissive trastuzumab cardiotoxicity for HER2-positive breast cancer, 6% were unable to complete planned trastuzumab due to severe LV dysfunction or clinical HF. Although most patients recover their LV function after trastuzumab discontinuation or completion, 14% still have persistent cardiotoxicity by 3-year follow-up.

Krebstherapien und Herzerkrankungen – ein komplexes Wechselspiel

Mit der zunehmenden Entwicklung hoch effektiver onkologischer Therapien sind nun zahlreiche Krebserkrankungen mit einer deutlich besseren Langzeitprognose assoziiert. Aus diesem Grund ist es zwingend erforderlich, potenzielle kardiotoxische Nebenwirkungen dieser Therapien möglichst frühzeitig zu identifizieren, um das Langzeitüberleben von Krebspatienten nicht durch schwerwiegende, schlimmstenfalls sogar letale kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse zu belasten. Eine wichtige Rolle spielen dabei insbesondere medikamentös induzierte Kardiomyopathien, aber auch Arrhythmien, eine verschlechterte arterielle Hypertonie und arterielle bzw. venöse Thrombosen müssen berücksichtigt werden. Durch adaptierte Ausgangs- und Verlaufsuntersuchungen lassen sich Patienten identifizieren, die ein erhöhtes Risiko für derartige kardiotoxische Ereignisse haben. Auch wenn die Datenlage inkonklusiv ist, scheint es doch kardioprotektive Medikamente zu geben, die in dieser Situation angewandt werden können.

Cardiotoxicity of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Targeted Drugs for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and its incidence has been increasing over the years. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2 or ErbB2) overexpression is responsible for 20 to 25% of invasive breast cancers, and is associated with poor prognosis. HER2-targeted therapy has significantly improved overall survival rates in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. However, despite the benefits of this therapy, its cardiotoxicity is a major concern, especially when HER2-targeted therapy is used in conjunction with anthracyclines. At present, the mechanism of this cardiotoxicity is not fully understood. It is thought that HER2-targeting drugs inhibit HER2/NRG 1 dimer formation, causing an increase in ROS in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK pathways, resulting in cell apoptosis. Antioxidants, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, β-blockers, statins and other drugs may have a cardioprotective effect when used with ErbB2-targeting drugs. NT-proBNP can be used to monitor trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity during HER2-targeted treatment and may serve as a biological marker for clinical prediction of cardiotoxicity. Measuring NT-proBNP is non-invasive, inexpensive and reproducible, therefore is worthy of the attention of clinicians. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential mechanisms, clinical features, diagnostic strategies, and intervention strategies related to cardiotoxicity of ErbB2-targeting drugs.

Clinical Profile and Prognosis of a Real-World Cohort of Patients With Moderate or Severe Cancer Therapy-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction

Introduction and Objectives: Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a common cause of cancer treatment withdrawal, related to the poor outcomes. The cardiac-specific treatment could recover the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). We analyzed the clinical profile and prognosis of patients with CTRCD in a real-world scenario. Methods: A retrospective study that include all the cancer patients diagnosed with CTRCD, defined as LVEF < 50%. We analyzed the cardiac and oncologic treatments, the predictors of mortality and LVEF recovery, hospital admission, and the causes of mortality (cardiovascular (CV), non-CV, and cancer-related). Results: We included 113 patients (82.3% women, age 49.2 ± 12.1 years). Breast cancer (72.6%) and anthracyclines (72.6%) were the most frequent cancer and treatment. Meantime to CTRCD was 8 months, with mean LVEF of 39.4 ± 9.2%. At diagnosis, 27.4% of the patients were asymptomatic. Cardiac-specific treatment was started in 66.4% of patients, with LVEF recovery-rate of 54.8%. Higher LVEF at the time of CTRCD, shorter time from cancer treatment to diagnosis of CTRCD, and younger age were the predictors of LVEF recovery. The hospitalization rate was 20.4% (8.8% linked to heart failure). Treatment with trastuzumab and lower LVEF at diagnosis of CTRCD were the predictors of mortality. Thirty point nine percent of patients died during the 26 months follow-up. The non-CV causes and cancer-related were more frequent than CV ones. Conclusions: Cardiac-specific treatment achieves LVEF recovery in more than half of the patients. LVEF at the diagnosis of CTRCD, age, and time from the cancer treatment initiation to CTRCD were the predictors of LVEF recovery. The CV-related deaths were less frequent than the non-CV ones. Trastuzumab treatment and LVEF at the time of CTRCD were the predictors of mortality.

Anticancer Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Insights and Pharmacogenetics

The advancement in therapy has provided a dramatic improvement in the rate of recovery among cancer patients. However, this improved survival is also associated with enhanced risks for cardiovascular manifestations, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy is a life-threatening consequence that restricts the use of several chemotherapy drugs in clinical practice. This article addresses the prevalence of cardiotoxicity mediated by commonly used chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents. The role of susceptible genes and radiation therapy in the occurrence of cardiotoxicity is also reviewed. This review also emphasizes the protective role of antioxidants and future perspectives in anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicities.

Cardiooncology-dealing with modern drug treatment, long-term complications, and cancer survivorship

Modern treatment strategies have improved prognosis and survival of patients with malignant diseases. The key components of tumor treatment are conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Cardiovascular side-effects may occur in the early phase of tumor therapy or even decades later. Therefore, knowledge and awareness of acute and long-lasting cardiac side effects of anti-cancer therapies are essential. Cardiotoxicity impairs quality of life and overall survival. The new cardiologic subspecialty 'cardio-oncology' deals with the different cardiovascular problems arising from tumor treatment and the relationship between cancer and heart diseases. Early detection and treatment of cardiotoxicity is of crucial importance. A detailed cardiac assessment of patients prior to administration of cardiotoxic agents, during and after treatment should be performed in all patients. The current review focusses on acute and long-term cardiotoxic side effects of classical cytotoxic and selected modern drug treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and discusses strategies for the diagnosis of treatment-related adverse cardiovascular effects in cancer patients.

Clinical predictors of cardiac toxicity in HER2-positive early breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant s.c. versus i.v. trastuzumab

BACKGROUND

Few data are available about real-life cardiotoxicity associated with s.c. versus i.v. trastuzumab treatment of early-stage, HER2-positive breast cancer, and little is known about its predisposing factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data of 363 adult patients treated with adjuvant trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer. Univariate statistical analysis was performed, and a multivariable logistic model was developed to identify independent risk factors of cardiac toxicity.

RESULTS

Within 5 years, the overall incidence of events meeting our criteria was 11.8%, and an early discontinuation of trastuzumab was recorded in 20 patients (5.5%). No cases of congestive heart failure occurred, neither multiple events per patient were observed. A total of 184 patients received i.v. and 179 received s.c. trastuzumab. Compared with the s.c. formulation, a higher cardiotoxicity rate for the i.v. administration (15.2% vs 8.4%) was found, and particularly in those patients with cardiovascular risk factors (19.3% vs 8.7%), at the univariate and multivariate analyses. Although more patients with prior anthracycline-based chemotherapy experienced cardiac events, the association of this therapy with cardiac events was not significant. The incidence of cardiac events was not influenced by anthropometric data (e.g. body mass index) or a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. 5-year event-free survival was 91.7% in the overall population; event-free survival rates were similar between the s.c. and the i.v. groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows a more favorable safety profile of s.c. versus i.v trastuzumab administration. The use of s.c. trastuzumab could be advisable in at-risk patients.

Anthracycline Induced Cardiac Disorders in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Single-Centre, Retrospective, Observational Study

Anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity is frequently seen in cancer survivors years after treatment, but it is rare in patients on chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of cardiac disorders in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during chemotherapy. A retrospective case study was conducted in children with ALL, for whom electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (Echo) were regularly assessed before each course of chemotherapy. The cardiac disorders were diagnosed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5.0. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with cardiac disorders. There were 171 children eligible for the study, and 78 patients (45.61%) were confirmed as having cardiac disorders. The incidence of cardiac disorders was dependent upon the cumulative dose of daunorubicin (DNR) (p = 0.030, OR = 1.553, 95% CI: 1.005–3.108). Four patients (2.34%) presented with palpitation, chest pain, and persistent tachycardia, and they were cured or improved after medical intervention. A total of 74 patients (43.27%) had subclinical cardiac disorders confirmed by ECG or Echo. ECG abnormalities were commonly seen in the induction and continuation treatments, including arrhythmias (26, 15.20%), ST changes (24, 14.04%) and conduction disorders (4, 2.34%). Pericardial effusion (14, 8.19%), left ventricular hypertrophy (11, 6.43%), a widened pulmonary artery (5, 2.92%) and valvular insufficiency (5, 2.92%) suggested by Echo occurred after induction chemotherapy. Therefore, cardiac disorders with clinical manifestations are rare and need early intervention. Subclinical cardiac disorders are common but very hidden in children during ALL chemotherapy. Regular ECG and Echo could help paediatricians to identify and monitor patients with asymptomatic cardiac disorders earlier.

Impact of cancer history on clinical outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral repair

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of a history of cancer and its impact on clinical outcome in mitral regurgitation (MR) patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR).

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of cancer, baseline inflammatory parameters, and clinical outcome in MR patients undergoing TMVR.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing a MitraClip procedure were enrolled, and the patients were stratified into two groups: cancer and non-cancer. Baseline complete blood counts (CBC) with differential hemograms were collected prior to the procedure to calculate the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). All-cause death within a one-year was examined.

Results

In total, 82 out of 446 patients (18.4%) had a history of cancer. Cancer patients had a significantly higher baseline PLR [181.4 (121.1–263.9) vs. 155.4 (109.4–210.4); P = 0.012] and NLR [5.4 (3.5–8.3) vs. 4.0 (2.9–6.1); P = 0.002] than non-cancer patients. A Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that cancer patients had a significantly worse prognosis than non-cancer (estimated 1-year mortality, 20.2 vs. 9.2%; log-rank P = 0.009), and multivariable analyses of three models showed that cancer history was an independent factor for 1-year mortality. Patients who died during follow-up had a significantly higher baseline PLR [214.2 (124.2–296.7) vs. 156.3 (110.2–212.1); P = 0.007] and NLR [6.4 (4.2–12.5) vs. 4.0 (2.9–6.2); P < 0.001] than survivors.

Conclusions

In MitraClip patients, a history of cancer was associated with higher inflammatory parameters and worse prognosis compared to non-cancer patients.

Graphical Abstract

Central Illustration. Clinical outcomes and baseline PLR and NLR values accord-ing to one-year mortality. (Left) Patients who died within the follow-up period had a significantly higher baseline PLR (214.2 [124.2–296.7] vs 156.3 [110.2–212.1]; P = 0.007) and NLR (6.4 [4.2–12.5] vs 4.0 [2.9–6.2]; P < 0.001) than patients who survived. PLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio; NLR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (Right) A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that cancer patients had a significantly worse prognosis than non-cancer patients (estimated one-year mortality, 20.2 vs 9.2%; log-rank P = 0.009).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00392-020-01770-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the detection and monitoring of cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer after treatment: a comprehensive review

The use of chemotherapy medicines for breast cancer (BC) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity. In recent years, there have been growing interests regarding the application of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, a safe and noninvasive modality, with the potential to identify subtle morphological and functional changes in the myocardium. In this investigation, we aimed to review the performance of various CMR methods in diagnosing cardiotoxicity in BC, induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. For this purpose, we reviewed the literature available in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Our literature review showed that CMR is a valuable modality for identifying and predicting subclinical cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy. The novel T1, T2, and extracellular volume mapping techniques may provide critical information about cardiotoxicity, in addition to other CMR features such as functional and structural changes. However, further research is needed to verify the exact role of these methods in identifying cardiotoxicity and patient management. Since multiple studies have reported the improvement of left ventricular performance following the termination of chemotherapy regimens, CMR remains an essential imaging tool for the prediction of cardiotoxicity and, consequently, decreases the mortality rate of BC due to heart failure.

Onco-Cardiology: Consensus Paper of the German Cardiac Society, the German Society for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects and the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology

The acute and long-lasting side effects of modern multimodal tumour therapy significantly impair quality of life and survival of patients afflicted with malignancies. The key components of this therapy include radiotherapy, conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. In addition to established tumour therapy strategies, up to 30 new therapies are approved each year with only incompletely characterised side effects. This consensus paper discusses the risk factors that contribute to the development of a potentially adverse reaction to tumour therapy and, in addition, defines specific side effect profiles for different treatment groups. The focus is on novel therapeutics and recommendations for the surveillance and treatment of specific patient groups.

The association of reduced global longitudinal strain with cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction among patients receiving cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

Cardiotoxicity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving cancer therapy. The most commonly used definition is cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction reduction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been implied to be superior in detecting early subclinical dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate the prevalence of reduced GLS and whether it is associated with CTRCD development among patients receiving cancer therapy.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of the Israel Cardio-Oncology Registry (ICOR), a prospective registry enrolling all adult patients receiving different types of cancer therapy, who were referred to the cardio-oncology clinic. Patients were divided into two groups-reduced GLS (> - 17%) vs. preserved GLS (≤ - 17%). Multivariable analyses were adjusted for a propensity score for baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Among 291 consecutive patients, 48 (16%) patients were included in the reduced GLS group. Overall, 11 (5%) patients developed CTRCD at following echocardiogram evaluation. Patients with preserved GLS had a significantly lower risk for CTRCD development [odds ratio (OR) 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.41, p = 0.001], with every 1-unit improvement of GLS the risk of CTRCD decreased by 16% (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.73-0.95, p = 0.007). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, including cardiovascular risk factors and systolic function, preserved GLS remained significantly associated with a lower risk for CTRCD development (OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.02-0.64, p = 0.014), with every 1-unit improvement lowering the risk by 19% (OR 0.81, 95%CI 0.67-0.98, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced GLS is common among patients receiving cancer therapy and may identify patients at increased risk for CTRCD development.