Radiation-induced heart disease: an update

Global Cardio Oncology Registry (G-COR): Registry Design, Primary Objectives, and Future Perspectives of a Multicenter Global Initiative

BACKGROUND

Global collaboration in cardio-oncology is needed to understand the prevalence of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in different risk groups, practice settings, and geographic locations. There are limited data on the socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities that may impact access to care and outcomes. To address these gaps, we established the Global Cardio-Oncology Registry, a multinational, multicenter prospective registry.

METHODS

We assembled cardiologists and oncologists from academic and community settings to collaborate in the first Global Cardio-Oncology Registry. Subsequently, a survey for site resources, demographics, and intention to participate was conducted. We designed an online data platform to facilitate this global initiative.

RESULTS

A total of 119 sites responded to an online questionnaire on their practices and main goals of the registry: 49 US sites from 23 states and 70 international sites from 5 continents indicated a willingness to participate in the Global Cardio-Oncology Registry. Sites were more commonly led by cardiologists (85/119; 72%) and were more often university/teaching (81/119; 68%) than community based (38/119; 32%). The average number of cardio-oncology patients treated per month was 80 per site. The top 3 Global Cardio-Oncology Registry priorities in cardio-oncology care were breast cancer, hematologic malignancies, and patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Executive and scientific committees and specific committees were established. A pilot phase for breast cancer using Research Electronic Data Capture Cloud platform recently started patient enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the structure for a global collaboration. Information derived from the Global Cardio-Oncology Registry will help understand the risk factors impacting cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in different geographic locations and therefore contribute to reduce access gaps in cardio-oncology care. Risk calculators will be prospectively derived and validated.

Dosimetric Evaluation of Cardiac Structures on Left Breast Cancer Radiotherapy: Impact of Movement, Dose Calculation Algorithm and Treatment Technique

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed and leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females. The treatment of breast cancer with radiotherapy, albeit effective, has been shown to be toxic to the heart, resulting in an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and associated fatalities.

METHODS

In this study, we evaluated the impact of respiratory movement, treatment plans and dose calculation algorithm on the dose delivered to the heart and its substructures during left breast radiotherapy over a cohort of 10 patients. We did this through three image sets, four different treatment plans and the employment of three algorithms on the same treatment plan. The dose parameters were then employed to estimate the impact on the 9-year excess cumulative risk for acute cardiac events by applying the model proposed by Darby.

RESULTS

The left ventricle was the structure most irradiated. Due to the lack of four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), we used a set of images called phase-average CT that correspond to the average of the images from the respiratory cycle (exhale, exhale 50%, inhale, inhale 50%). When considering these images, nearly 10% of the heart received more than 5 Gy and doses were on average 27% higher when compared to free breathing images. Deep inspiration breath-hold plans reduced cardiac dose for nine out of 10 patients and reduced mean heart dose in about 50% when compared to reference plans. We also found that the implementation of deep inspiration breath-hold would reduce the relative lifetime risk of ischemic heart disease to 10%, in comparison to 21% from the reference plan.

CONCLUSION

Our findings illustrate the importance of a more accurate determination of the dose and its consideration in cardiologists' consultation, a factor often overlooked during clinical examination. They also motivate the evaluation of the dose to the heart substructures to derive new heart dose constraints, and a more mindful and individualized clinical practice depending on the treatment employed.

Primary Cardiac Angiosarcoma: A Review

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy originating from the endothelial lining of cardiac blood vessels. This review covers various aspects of the disease, including its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The primary characteristic of cardiac angiosarcoma is the rapid growth of abnormal blood vessels that invade the heart muscle, leading to the destruction of healthy tissue. Due to its infiltrative nature and early spread, diagnosing and treating cardiac angiosarcoma present significant challenges. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) plays a crucial role in diagnosing cardiac tumors such as angiosarcoma due to its high sensitivity. Additional imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help assess tumor anatomy and identify metastases. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry are essential for confirming the diagnosis, as they reveal distinct histological features and specific endothelial markers associated with primary cardiac angiosarcoma. Targeted therapies directed at the angiogenic mechanisms and molecular abnormalities hold promise for improving treatment outcomes. Early detection of primary cardiac angiosarcoma remains challenging due to its rarity, and the prognosis is generally poor due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration among different specialties to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of patients with primary cardiac angiosarcoma. The ultimate goal is to enhance diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches by advancing knowledge and promoting further research into this aggressive malignancy.

Cardio-oncology for Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult Patients

OPINION STATEMENT

As chemotherapy continues to improve the lives of patients with cancer, understanding the effects of these drugs on other organ systems, and the cardiovascular system in particular, has become increasingly important. The effects of chemotherapy on the cardiovascular system are a major determinant of morbidity and mortality in these survivors. Although echocardiography continues to be the most widely used modality for assessing cardiotoxicity, newer imaging modalities and biomarker concentrations may detect subclinical cardiotoxicity earlier. Dexrazoxane continues to be the most effective therapy for preventing anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. Neurohormonal modulating drugs have not prevented cardiotoxicity, so their widespread, long-term use for all patients is currently not recommended. Advanced cardiac therapies, including heart transplant, have been successful in cancer survivors with end-stage HF and should be considered for these patients. Research on new targets, especially genetic associations, may produce treatments that help reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Lisinopril Mitigates Radiation-Induced Mitochondrial Defects in Rat Heart and Blood Cells

The genetic bases and disparate responses to radiotherapy are poorly understood, especially for cardiotoxicity resulting from treatment of thoracic tumors. Preclinical animal models such as the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rat can serve as a surrogate model for salt-sensitive low renin hypertension, common to African Americans, where aldosterone contributes to hypertension-related alterations of peripheral vascular and renal vascular function. Brown Norway (BN) rats, in comparison, are a normotensive control group, while consomic SSBN6 with substitution of rat chromosome 6 (homologous to human chromosome 14) on an SS background manifests cardioprotection and mitochondrial preservation to SS rats after injury. In this study, 2 groups from each of the 3 rat strains had their hearts irradiated (8 Gy X 5 fractions). One irradiated group was treated with the ACE-inhibitor lisinopril, and a separate group in each strain served as nonirradiated controls. Radiation reduced cardiac end diastolic volume by 9-11% and increased thickness of the interventricular septum (11-16%) and left ventricular posterior wall (14-15%) in all 3 strains (5-10 rats/group) after 120 days. Lisinopril mitigated the increase in posterior wall thickness. Mitochondrial function was measured by the Seahorse Cell Mitochondrial Stress test in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at 90 days. Radiation did not alter mitochondrial respiration in PBMC from BN or SSBN6. However, maximal mitochondrial respiration and spare capacity were reduced by radiation in PBMC from SS rats (p=0.016 and 0.002 respectively, 9-10 rats/group) and this effect was mitigated by lisinopril (p=0.04 and 0.023 respectively, 9-10 rats/group). Taken together, these results indicate injury to the heart by radiation in all 3 strains of rats, although the SS rats had greater susceptibility for mitochondrial dysfunction. Lisinopril mitigated injury independent of genetic background.

Cardiotoxicity in pediatric lymphoma survivors

INTRODUCTION

Over the past five decades, the diagnosis and management of children with various malignancies have improved tremendously. As a result, an increasing number of children are long-term cancer survivors. With improved survival, however, has come an increased risk of treatment-related cardiovascular complications that can appear decades later.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the pathophysiology, epidemiology and effects of treatment-related cardiovascular complications from anthracyclines and radiotherapy in pediatric lymphoma survivors. There is a paucity of evidence-based recommendations for screening for and treatment of cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular complications. We discuss current preventive measures and strategies for their treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Significant cardiac adverse effects occur due to radiation and chemotherapy received by patients treated for lymphoma. Higher lifetime cumulative doses, female sex, longer follow-up, younger age, and preexisting cardiovascular disease are associated with a higher incidence of cardiotoxicity. With deeper understanding of the mechanisms of these adverse cardiac effects and identification of driver mutations causing these effects, personalized cancer therapy to limit cardiotoxic effects while ensuring an adequate anti-neoplastic effect would be ideal. In the meantime, expanding the use of cardioprotective agents with the best evidence such as dexrazoxane should be encouraged and further studied.

Series of myocardial FDG uptake requiring considerations of myocardial abnormalities in FDG-PET/CT

Distinct from cardiac PET performed with preparation to control physiological FDG uptake in the myocardium, standard FDG-PET/CT performed with 4-6 h of fasting will show variation in myocardial FDG uptake. For this reason, important signs of myocardial and pericardial abnormality revealed by myocardial FDG uptake tend to be overlooked. However, recognition of possible underlying disease will support further patient management to avoid complications due to the disease. This review demonstrates the mechanism of FDG uptake in the myocardium, discusses the factors affecting uptake, and provides notable image findings that may suggest underlying disease.

Antioxidant Activity of Hydrogen Water Mask Pack Composed of Gel-Type Emulsion and Hydrogen Generation Powder

In this study, hydrogen generation powder samples were prepared using zinc carbonate as a precursor, at a temperature varying from 400 to 700 °C in H₂ atmosphere, and were characterized in terms of antioxidant activity. The concentration of dissolved hydrogen obtained by the powder samples was measured using a dissolved hydrogen meter as a function of time. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the samples was evaluated based on the Oyaizu’s method, removal rate of ·OH radicals, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Finally, the hydrogen mask pack was fabricated using the hydrogen generation powder sample and gel-type emulsion. In the clinical test on the mask pack, the effect of the mask on skin aging was characterized and compared to that of a commercial sample. The skin densities of the participants in the experimental group and the control group increased by 18.41% and 9.93% after 4 weeks, respectively. The improved skin density of the participants who used the hydrogen mask pack in the experimental group, might be attributed to the recovery effect of the hydrogen molecule in the mask pack on the denatured thick skin layer.

The impact of proton therapy on cardiotoxicity following radiation treatment

Cardiac disease following radiation therapy represents a major consideration in the treatment of a variety of malignancies. Damage to the heart can manifest in a variety of pathologies including ischemic cardiac disease, cardiomyopathy, valvular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and pericarditis. This damage has been shown to directly relate to cardiac radiation dose and to stem from a range of cellular pathways that are often related to fibrosis. The importance of minimizing radiation dose to the heart is especially critical in the pediatric population and when treating disease sites adjacent to the heart. Proton therapy represents a promising approach to minimize dose to normal tissues such as the heart. The cardiac dosimetry reductions due to proton therapy have been demonstrated in multiple cancers and further long-term follow-up will determine the clinical significance of these reductions to cardiac structures. Future approaches using advanced techniques such as FLASH therapy could provide even further benefit by reducing post-radiation fibrosis.

Cardiovascular diseases in survivors of childhood cancer

Over the past few decades, the diagnosis and management of children with various malignancies have improved tremendously. As a result, there are an increasing number of children who are long-term cancer survivors. With improved survival, however, has come an increased risk of treatment-related cardiovascular complications that can appear decades after treatment. These problems are serious enough that all caregivers of childhood cancer survivors, including oncologists, cardiologists, and other health care personnel, must pay close attention to the short- and long-term effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on these children. This review discusses the effects of treatment-related cardiovascular complications from anthracyclines and radiotherapy and the methods for preventing, screening, and treating these complications.

The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Radiation-Induced Heart Disease: From Bench to Bedside

Radiation is a key modality in the treatment of many cancers; however, it can also affect normal tissues adjacent to the tumor, leading to toxic effects. Radiation to the thoracic region, such as that received as part of treatment for breast and lung cancer, can result in incidental dose to the heart, leading to cardiac dysfunction, such as pericarditis, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, conduction defects, and valvular dysfunction. The underlying mechanisms for these morbidities are currently being studied but are not entirely understood. There has been increasing focus on the role of radiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the ensuing impact on various cardiac functions in both preclinical models and in humans. Cardiomyocyte mitochondria are critical to cardiac function, and mitochondria make up a substantial part of a cardiomyocyte's volume. Mitochondrial dysfunction can also alter other cell types in the heart. This review summarizes several factors related to radiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. These factors include mitochondrial DNA mutations, oxidative stress, alterations in various mitochondrial function-related transcription factors, and apoptosis. Through improved understanding of mitochondria-dependent mechanisms of radiation-induced heart dysfunction, potential therapeutic targets can be developed to assist in prevention and treatment of radiation-induced heart damage.

Potential Clinical Implications of miR-1 and miR-21 in Heart Disease and Cardioprotection

The interest in non-coding RNAs, which started more than a decade ago, has still not weakened. A wealth of experimental and clinical studies has suggested the potential of non-coding RNAs, especially the short-sized microRNAs (miRs), to be used as the new generation of therapeutic targets and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, an ever-growing public health issue in the modern world. Among the hundreds of miRs characterized so far, microRNA-1 (miR-1) and microRNA-21 (miR-21) have received some attention and have been associated with cardiac injury and cardioprotection. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge of the function of these two miRs in the heart, their association with cardiac injury, and their potential cardioprotective roles and biomarker value. While this field has already been extensively studied, much remains to be done before research findings can be translated into clinical application for patient’s benefit.

Long-Term Radiotherapy-Induced Cardiac Complications: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 48

Final Diagnosis: Late cardiac complications postradiotherapy

Symptoms: Chest pain • dyspnea • syncope

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in cardiology

Specialty: Cardiology

Radiation-Associated Pericardial Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review highlights the literature related to pericardial injury following radiation for oncologic diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Radiation-associated pericardial disease can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, there is considerably less evidence regarding pericardial syndromes following thoracic radiation as compared to other cardiovascular outcomes. Pericardial complications of radiation may arise acutely or have an insidious onset several decades after treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography is the screening imaging modality of choice, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging further characterizes the pericardium and guides treatment decision-making. Cardiac CT can be useful for assessing pericardial calcification. Ongoing efforts to lessen inadvertent cardiac injury are directed towards the revision of radiation techniques and protocols. As survival of mediastinal and thoracic malignancies continues to improve, radiation-associated pericardial disease is increasingly relevant. Though advances in radiation oncology demonstrate promise in curtailing cardiotoxicity, the long-term effects pertaining to pericardial complications remain to be seen.

Monocyte Polarization is Altered by Total-Body Irradiation in Male Rhesus Macaques: Implications for Delayed Effects of Acute Radiation Exposure

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a common delayed effect of acute ionizing radiation exposure (DEARE) affecting diverse tissues including the heart, lungs, liver and skin, leading to reduced tissue function and increased morbidity. Monocytes, which may be classified into classical (CD14⁺⁺, CD16^-), intermediate (CD14⁺⁺, CD16⁺) and non-classical (CD14^+/low, CD16⁺⁺) subtypes in humans and non-human primates (NHPs), and monocyte-derived macrophages may play an integral role in the pathogenesis of RIF. We tested the hypothesis that moderate to high levels of total-body exposure to radiation would alter monocyte polarization and produce phenotypes that could promote multi-organ fibrosis in a wellestablished NHP model of DEARE. Subjects were 16 young adult male rhesus macaques, ten of which were exposed to high-energy, 4 Gy X-ray total-body irradiation (TBI) and six that received sham irradiation (control). Total monocytes assessed by complete blood counts were 89% depleted in TBI animals by day 9 postirradiation (P < 0.05), but recovered by day 30 postirradiation and did not differ from control levels thereafter. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and sorted into classical, intermediate and non-classical subsets using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) prior to and at 6 months post-TBI. At 6 months postirradiation, monocyte polarization shifted towards lower classical (92% → 86%) and higher intermediate (7% → 12%) and non-classical monocyte subsets (0.6% → 2%) (all P < 0.05) in TBI animals compared to baseline. No change in monocyte subsets was observed in control animals. Transcriptional profiles in classical and intermediate monocyte subsets were assessed using RNAseq. Classical monocyte gene expression did not change significantly over time or differ cross-sectionally between TBI and control groups. In contrast, significant numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in intermediate monocyte comparisons between the TBI animals and all animals at baseline (304 DEGs), and in the TBI versus control animals at 6 months postirradiation (67 DEGs). Intermediate monocytes also differed between baseline and 6 months in control animals (147 DEGs). Pathway analysis was used to identify genes within significant canonical pathways, yielding 52 DEGs that were specific to irradiated intermediate monocytes. These DEGs and significant canonical pathways were associated with pro-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways that have been noted to induce M2 macrophage polarization. These findings support the hypothesis that TBI may alter monocyte programming and polarization towards a profibrotic phenotype, providing a novel target opportunity for therapies to inhibit or prevent RIF.

A New Approach for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorders. Molecular Hydrogen Significantly Reduces the Effects of Oxidative Stress

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Redox dysregulation and a dyshomeostasis of inflammation arise from, and result in, cellular aberrations and pathological conditions, which lead to cardiovascular diseases. Despite years of intensive research, there is still no safe and effective method for their prevention and treatment. Recently, molecular hydrogen has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies on various diseases associated with oxidative and inflammatory stress such as radiation-induced heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, myocardial and brain infarction, storage of the heart, heart transplantation, etc. Hydrogen is primarily administered via inhalation, drinking hydrogen-rich water, or injection of hydrogen-rich saline. It favorably modulates signal transduction and gene expression resulting in suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, excess ROS production, and in the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant transcription factor. Although H₂ appears to be an important biological molecule with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, the exact mechanisms of action remain elusive. There is no reported clinical toxicity; however, some data suggests that H₂ has a mild hormetic-like effect, which likely mediate some of its benefits. The mechanistic data, coupled with the pre-clinical and clinical studies, suggest that H₂ may be useful for ROS/inflammation-induced cardiotoxicity and other conditions.

Radio-protective potential of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule against 99mTc-MIBI induced injury in cardio vascular tissue

BACKGROUND

SPECT MPI (Single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging) is an essential tool for diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, but it also involves considerable exposure to ionizing radiation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the radioprotective potential of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule against 99mTc-MIBI-induced injury in cardiovascular tissue.

METHODS

The radioprotective ability was assessed by blood count, histopathology and heart enzymes in different groups of mice. Hearts of mice from all groups were dissected and prepared for oxidative stress analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, levels of DNA damage in heart and bone marrow cells were evaluated by alkaline comet assay technique. The same measurements were estimated after treating the mice with lipoic acid.

RESULTS

Comparing mice injected by radiopharmaceutics with control group showed a significant depression in the count of white blood cells (WBC) by about 40 % at 24 &72 hrs post-radiopharmaceutical administration. Moreover, platelets count was decreased by 27% at 72 hrs post-radiopharmaceutical administration. Radiation also dropped in super oxide dismutase (SOD) and increased in activity of heart enzymes and level of MDA (Malondialdehyde). Additionally, histopathological observation was characterized by focal necrosis of cardiac myocytes. 99mTc-MIBI induced DNA damage had significant increase. Nevertheless, pretreatment with free and lipoic acid nano-capsules (LANC's) prevented the reduction induced in WBCs and platelets, and improved their counts significantly. Conversely pre-treatment with lipoic acid free and nano-capsule significantly increased the activity of SOD and decreased the level of MDA and therefore protected the cardiovascular tissues and reduced DNA strand-break, consequently and enhanced the body weight of the mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the efficacy of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule as a radio protector.

Radiation Matters of the Heart: A Mini Review

Radiation Therapy (RT) has been critical in cancer treatment regimens to date. However, it has been shown that ionizing radiation is also associated with increased risk of damage to healthy tissues. At high radiation doses, varied effects including inactivation of cells in treated tissue and associated functional impairment are seen. These range from direct damage to the heart; particularly, diffuse fibrosis of the pericardium and myocardium, adhesion of the pericardium, injury to the blood vessels and stenosis. Cardiac damage is mostly a late responding end-point, occurring anywhere between 1 and 10 years after radiation procedures. Cardiovascular disease following radiotherapy was more common with radiation treatments used before the late 1980s. Modern RT regimens with more focused radiation beams, allow tumors to be targeted more precisely and shield the heart and other healthy tissues for minimizing the radiation damage to normal cells. In this review, we discuss radiation therapeutic doses used and post-radiation damage to the heart muscle from published studies. We also emphasize the need for early detection of cardiotoxicity and the need for more cardio-protection approaches where feasible.

Severe bilateral isolated coronary ostial lesions as a rare manifestation of radiation-induced cardiac disease A case report

RATIONALE

With advances in contemporary radiotherapy techniques, and as cancer survival improves, severe isolated coronary ostial disease may develop many years following mediastinal radiotherapy, even in the absence of classical cardiovascular risk factors.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We describe the case of a 73-year-old woman with previous chest radiotherapy for breast cancer who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery for severe bilateral coronary ostial lesions.

DIAGNOSES

Coronary angiography demonstrated severe, isolated bilateral coronary ostial lesions.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent urgent coronary artery bypass graft surgery to treat her critical coronary artery disease.

OUTCOMES

Intra-operatively, internal mammary arteries were not amenable to harvesting due to very dense mediastinal adhesions. Therefore, saphenous vein grafts were performed to the left anterior descending, distal left circumflex, obtuse marginal and distal right coronary arteries. The patient made a satisfactory in-hospital recovery, and was subsequently discharged back to her local hospital for rehabilitation.

LESSONS

Patients successfully treated with mediastinal radiotherapy require careful long-term follow-up for the assessment of radiation-induced coronary artery disease. Importantly, mediastinal irradiation may preclude internal mammary artery utilization, and thus alter the strategy for surgical myocardial revascularization.

Pitfalls and Misinterpretations of Cardiac Findings on PET/CT Imaging: A Careful Look at the Heart in Oncology Patients

Positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) with 2-[fluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) has been established as an effective modality for evaluation of cancer. Interpretations of patterns of physiologic ¹⁸F-FDG uptake by the heart is particularly difficult given the wide normal variations of ¹⁸F-FDG metabolic activity observed. Atypical patterns of focal or diffuse physiologic cardiac ¹⁸F-FDG uptake and post-therapeutic effects after radiation therapy, systemic diseases, or cardiomyopathy may also be confused with malignant disease on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. In this article, we review the variations of normal cardiac ¹⁸F-FDG uptake observed in oncology patients and the appearances of other patterns of pathologic metabolic activity, related or not related to the malignancy being investigated, that may lead to false-negative and false-positive results.

Implication of microRNAs in the development and potential treatment of radiation-induced heart disease

Radiotherapy is the most commonly used methodology to treat oncological disease, one of the most widespread causes of death worldwide. Oncological patients cured by radiotherapy applied to the mediastinal area have been shown to suffer from cardiovascular disease. The increase in the prevalence of radiation-induced heart disease has emphasized the need to seek new therapeutic targets to mitigate the negative impact of radiation on the heart. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) have received considerable interest. miRNAs regulate post-transcriptional gene expression by their ability to target various mRNA sequences because of their imperfect pairing with mRNAs. It has been recognized that miRNAs modulate a diverse spectrum of cardiac functions with developmental, pathophysiological, and clinical implications. This makes them promising potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. This review summarizes the recent findings about the possible involvement of miRNAs in radiation-induced heart disease and their potential use as diagnostic or treatment targets in this respect.

Assessment of concomitant versus sequential trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity

There are limited data regarding effect of trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity when used sequentially or concomitantly. This experimental study aims to investigate effect of trastuzumab on radiation-induced cardiovascular toxicity with respect to the treatment sequence. One hundred and eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (G): G1 was control, G2 was trastuzumab, and G3 was radiotherapy (RT); G4 and G6 were sequential RT and trastuzumab; and G5 was concomitant RT and trastuzumab groups, respectively. Rats were killed at 6th h, 21st and 70th days after RT; thoracic aorta and heart samples were obtained. Transthoracic echocardiography and functional studies evaluating relaxation of thoracic aorta were performed. Subendothelial edema scores of thoracic aorta samples at 21st and 70th days were higher in RT groups (G3, G4, G5, and G6) ( p < 0.001). There was a deterioration of relaxation responses of thoracic aorta samples in RT groups ( p < 0.001). Cardiac fibrosis (CF) scores revealed detrimental effect of RT beginning from 6th h and trastuzumab from 21st day. RT groups showed further deterioration of CF at 70th day. Ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, and fractional shortening were significantly decreased in G4, G5, and G6. Trastuzumab may increase pathological damage in cardiovascular structures when used with RT regardless of timing.

Left-sided breast radiotherapy after conservative surgery: comparison of techniques between volumetric modulated arc therapy, forward-planning intensity-modulated radiotherapy and conventional technique

Objective

This study was conducted for comparison of techniques between volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), forward-planning intensity-modulated radiotherapy (FIMRT) and conventional technique for left-sided breast radiotherapy after conservative surgery.

Methods

In all, 20 postoperative left breast carcinoma patients were included in this study. In all plans the planning target volume (PTV) was the breast tissue with appropriate margin as per our institutional protocol. The contouring was done on a Monaco Sim (V5.00.02) contouring workstation. All patient were planned using partial arc VMAT in Monaco treatment planning system (TPS) (V5.00.02) and treated on Elekta Synergy linear accelerator. The 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and FIMRT planning were done in CMS XIO (V5.00.01.1) TPS. The 3DCRT planning consisted of conventional medial and tangential wedge portals with multileaf collimator field shaping conforming to the target volume. For all the plans generated the following metrics were scored: V105%, V100%, V95%, mean dose (for PTV), V5%, V20%, D2cc and mean dose (for organs at risk).

Results

The mean PTV volume for 20 patients was 1,074·6±405·1 cc. The highest PTV dose coverage was observed in the 3DCRT technique with 94·1±1·8% of the breast PTV receiving 95% of the prescription dose (V95%). However, it was also observed that this technique resulted in 21·3±10% of the PTV receiving more than 105% of the prescription dose (V105%), which was highest among the three techniques. In contrast, VMAT yielded lowest V95% of 93·0±1·8 and 3·3±5·5% of V105%.

Conclusion

This study concluded equivalent result between FIMRT and VMAT. However, VMAT was found to be the choice of radiotherapy technique as it produces lesser dose distribution to heart compared with any other technique.

Novel concepts in radiation-induced cardiovascular disease

Radiation-induced cardiovascular disease (RICVD) is the most common nonmalignant cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors who have undergone mediastinal radiation therapy (RT). Cardiovascular complications include effusive or constrictive pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, and coronary/vascular disease. These are pathophysiologically distinct disease entities whose prevalence varies depending on the timing and extent of radiation exposure to the heart and great vessels. Although refinements in RT dosimetry and shielding will inevitably limit future cases of RICVD, the increasing number of long-term cancer survivors, including those treated with older higher-dose RT regimens, will ensure a steady flow of afflicted patients for the foreseeable future. Thus, there is a pressing need for enhanced understanding of the disease mechanisms, and improved detection methods and treatment strategies. Newly characterized mechanisms responsible for the establishment of chronic fibrosis, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and epigenetic modifications, are discussed and linked to potential treatments currently under study. Novel imaging modalities may serve as powerful screening tools in RICVD, and recent research and expert opinion advocating their use is introduced. Data arguing for the aggressive use of percutaneous interventions, such as transcutaneous valve replacement and drug-eluting stents, are examined and considered in the context of prior therapeutic approaches. RICVD and its treatment options are the subject of a rich and dynamic body of research, and patients who are at risk or suffering from this disease will benefit from the care of physicians with specialty expertise in the emerging field of cardio-oncology.

Bilateral Isolated Coronary Ostial Stenosis following Mediastinal Irradiation

Isolated coronary ostial narrowing is rare and may represent a separate disease entity from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. The case of a 41-year-old female with no coronary risk factors who developed severe bilateral isolated coronary ostial stenosis following mantle radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease is described. She underwent urgent coronary artery bypass grafting and has remained well for 3 years.

Delayed Effects of Acute Radiation Exposure in a Murine Model of the H-ARS: Multiple-Organ Injury Consequent to <10 Gy Total Body Irradiation

The threat of radiation exposure from warfare or radiation accidents raises the need for appropriate animal models to study the acute and chronic effects of high dose rate radiation exposure. The goal of this study was to assess the late development of fibrosis in multiple organs (kidney, heart, and lung) in survivors of the C57BL/6 mouse model of the hematopoietic-acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). Separate groups of mice for histological and functional studies were exposed to a single uniform total body dose between 8.53 and 8.72 Gy of gamma radiation from a Cs radiation source and studied 1-21 mo later. Blood urea nitrogen levels were elevated significantly in the irradiated mice at 9 and 21 mo (from ∼22 to 34 ± 3.8 and 69 ± 6.0 mg dL, p < 0.01 vs. non-irradiated controls) and correlated with glomerosclerosis (29 ± 1.8% vs. 64 ± 9.7% of total glomeruli, p < 0.01 vs. non-irradiated controls). Glomerular tubularization and hypertrophy and tubular atrophy were also observed at 21 mo post-total body irradiation (TBI). An increase in interstitial, perivascular, pericardial and peribronchial fibrosis/collagen deposition was observed from ∼9-21 mo post-TBI in kidney, heart, and lung of irradiated mice relative to age-matched controls. Echocardiography suggested decreased ventricular volumes with a compensatory increase in the left ventricular ejection fraction. The results indicate that significant delayed effects of acute radiation exposure occur in kidney, heart, and lung in survivors of the murine H-ARS TBI model, which mirrors pathology detected in larger species and humans at higher radiation doses focused on specific organs.

Radiation-related heart and vascular disease

Improvement in cancer therapy has led to increasing number of cancer survivors, some of whom have previously been treated with mediastinal radiation. Cardiac complication may manifest years after completion of radiation therapy. Hence long-term follow-up is essential in these patients. In this paper, we have discussed the short- and long-term cardiovascular side effects of radiation therapy.

Low-dose irradiation affects expression of inflammatory markers in the heart of ApoE -/- mice

Epidemiological studies indicate long-term risks of ionizing radiation on the heart, even at moderate doses. In this study, we investigated the inflammatory, thrombotic and fibrotic late responses of the heart after low-dose irradiation (IR) with specific emphasize on the dose rate. Hypercholesterolemic ApoE-deficient mice were sacrificed 3 and 6 months after total body irradiation (TBI) with 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 or 2 Gy at low (1 mGy/min) or high dose rate (150 mGy/min). The expression of inflammatory and thrombotic markers was quantified in frozen heart sections (CD31, E-selectin, thrombomodulin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, collagen IV, Thy-1, and CD45) and in plasma samples (IL6, KC, MCP-1, TNFα, INFγ, IL-1β, TGFβ, INFγ, IL-10, sICAM-1, sE-selectin, sVCAM-1 and fibrinogen) by fluorescence analysis and ELISA. We found that even very low irradiation doses induced adaptive late responses, such as increases of capillary density and changes in collagen IV and Thy-1 levels indicating compensatory regulation. Slight decreases of ICAM-1 levels and reduction of Thy 1 expression at 0.025–0.5 Gy indicate anti-inflammatory effects, whereas at the highest dose (2 Gy) increased VCAM-1 levels on the endocardium may represent a switch to a pro-inflammatory response. Plasma samples partially confirmed this pattern, showing a decrease of proinflammatory markers (sVCAM, sICAM) at 0.025–2.0 Gy. In contrast, an enhancement of MCP-1, TNFα and fibrinogen at 0.05–2.0 Gy indicated a proinflammatory and prothrombotic systemic response. Multivariate analysis also revealed significant age-dependent increases (KC, MCP-1, fibrinogen) and decreases (sICAM, sVCAM, sE-selectin) of plasma markers. This paper represents local and systemic effects of low-dose irradiation, including also age- and dose rate-dependent responses in the ApoE^-/- mouse model. These insights in the multiple inflammatory/thrombotic effects caused by low-dose irradiation might facilitate an individual evaluation and intervention of radiation related, long-term side effects but also give important implications for low dose anti-inflammatory radiotherapy.

Mechanisms of cardiac radiation injury and potential preventive approaches

In addition to cytostatic treatment and surgery, the most common cancer treatment is gamma radiation. Despite sophisticated radiological techniques however, in addition to irradiation of the tumor, irradiation of the surrounding healthy tissue also takes place, which results in various side-effects, depending on the absorbed dose of radiation. Radiation either damages the cell DNA directly, or indirectly via the formation of oxygen radicals that in addition to the DNA damage, react with all cell organelles and interfere with their molecular mechanisms. The main features of radiation injury besides DNA damage is inflammation and increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes and cytokines. Endothelial damage and dysfunction of capillaries and small blood vessels plays a particularly important role in radiation injury. This review is focused on summarizing the currently available data concerning the mechanisms of radiation injury, as well as the effectiveness of various antioxidants, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and cytoprotective substances that may be utilized in preventing, mitigating, or treating the toxic effects of ionizing radiation on the heart.

Radiation-induced heart disease: pathologic abnormalities and putative mechanisms

Breast cancer is a common diagnosis in women. Breast radiation has become critical in managing patients who receive breast conserving surgery, or have certain high-risk features after mastectomy. Most patients have an excellent prognosis, therefore understanding the late effects of radiation to the chest is important. Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) comprises a spectrum of cardiac pathology including myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, pericardial disease, and arrhythmias. Tissue fibrosis is a common mediator in RIHD. Multiple pathways converge with both acute and chronic cellular, molecular, and genetic changes to result in fibrosis. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of cardiac disease related to radiation therapy to the chest. Our understanding of these mechanisms has improved substantially, but much work remains to further refine radiation delivery techniques and develop therapeutics to battle late effects of radiation.

Valvular abnormalities detected by echocardiography in 5-year survivors of childhood cancer: a long-term follow-up study

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of valvular abnormalities after radiation therapy involving the heart region and/or treatment with anthracyclines and to identify associated risk factors in a large cohort of 5-year childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study cohort consisted of all 626 eligible 5-year CCS diagnosed with childhood cancer in the Emma Children's Hospital/Academic Medical Center between 1966 and 1996 and treated with radiation therapy involving the heart region and/or anthracyclines. We determined the presence of valvular abnormalities according to echocardiograms. Physical radiation dose was converted into the equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2). Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we examined the associations between cancer treatment and valvular abnormalities.

RESULTS

We identified 225 mainly mild echocardiographic valvular abnormalities in 169 of 545 CCS (31%) with a cardiac assessment (median follow-up time, 14.9 years [range, 5.1-36.8 years]; median attained age 22.0 years [range, 7.0-49.7 years]). Twenty-four CCS (4.4%) had 31 moderate or higher-graded abnormalities. Most common abnormalities were tricuspid valve disorders (n=119; 21.8%) and mitral valve disorders (n=73; 13.4%). The risk of valvular abnormalities was associated with increasing radiation dose (using EQD2) involving the heart region (odds ratio 1.33 per 10 Gy) and the presence of congenital heart disease (odds ratio 3.43). We found no statistically significant evidence that anthracyclines increase the risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one-third of CCS treated with potentially cardiotoxic therapy had 1 or more asymptomatic, mostly mild valvular abnormalities after a median follow-up of nearly 15 years. The most important risk factors are higher EQD2 to the heart region and congenital heart disease. Studies with longer follow-up are necessary to investigate the clinical course of asymptomatic valvular abnormalities in CCS.

Effect of radiotheraphy on impaired aortic elasticity and stiffness in patients with breast cancer

We evaluated the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on the elastic properties of the aorta using echocardiography in patients with breast cancer (BC). A total of 105 women with left-sided epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (erb-2) BC were divided into 2 groups, group 1 with patients who did not receive RT and group 2 with patients who received RT. In all patients, echocardiographic examination and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were determined. A significant decrease in aortic distensibility (AD) and increase in hs-CRP were seen from group 1 to group 2. The AD was inversely correlated with left ventricle diastolic diameter, systolic blood pressure (SBP), left atrial diameter, age, and RT dose. The AD was significantly related to age, SBP, and RT dose. Increased RT dose is significantly correlated with impaired elastic properties that may contribute to the relation of RT and increased rate of cardiovascular events among patients with BC who received RT.

Cardiac complications after radical radiotherapy

Improvements in cancer therapy have led to increasing numbers of cancer survivors, and the long-term complications of these treatments are now becoming apparent. This article presents the current knowledge of adverse cardiovascular effects of radiotherapy to the chest. Medline literature searches relating to the cardiac complications of radiotherapy and subsequent prognosis were conducted. Potential adverse effects of mediastinal irradiation are numerous and can include coronary artery disease, pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, and valvular disease. Damage seems to be related to radiation dose, volume of irradiated heart, age at exposure, technique of chest irradiation, and patient-specific factors. The advent of technology and the newer sophisticated techniques in treatment planning and delivery are expected to decrease the incidence of cardiovascular diseases after radiation of the mediastinal structures. In any case, patients subjected to irradiation of the mediastinal structures require close multidisciplinary clinical monitoring.

Radiation-induced heart disease

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is becoming an increasing concern for patients and clinicians alike as the use of radiation therapy for the treatment of certain malignancies increases, and patient mortality secondary to neoplasms of the thorax, in particular Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer, decreases. The spectrum of pathology affecting the heart spans from acute to chronic and can affect almost all facets of the heart, including but not restricted to the pericardial sac, coronary arteries, myocardium, and heart valves. Significant research has been conducted over the past 40 years to further understand the toxic effects of radiation therapy and those protective methods that could curtail these adverse reactions. This article will focus on RIHD, the pathophysiological mechanisms for RIHD, the clinical presentations, and current and future directions for attempting to reduce the incidence of this condition.

Cardiotoxicity of childhood cancer treatment: update and current knowledge on long-term follow-up

Therapeutic advances in paediatric oncology allowed increasing numbers of children to survive until adulthood. However, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are potentially cardiotoxic and contribute to a significant morbidity and mortality, cardiovascular events remaining the leading cause of death among survivors. This review summarizes the physiopathology of treatment-related cardiovascular diseases, their incidence, and the risk factors associated with each specific therapy. Few studies have investigated the cardiac outcomes of adult surviving from childhood cancers but all demonstrated a substantial risk for late cardiac effects. Cardiovascular monitoring, prevention, and early detection of cardiac dysfunction are, therefore, the keystones of an improved long-term outcome.

Radiation-induced cardiac damage in early left breast cancer patients: risk factors, biological mechanisms, radiobiology, and dosimetric constraints

Today there is general awareness of the potential damage to the heart in left-sided (more than in right-sided) breast cancer radiotherapy (RT). Historical changes in tumor and heart doses are presented here along with the impact of different RT techniques and volumes. Individual and pharmacological risk factors are also examined with respect to radiation damage. The biological mechanisms of harm are only partially understood, such as the radiobiology of heart damage due to the presence of various radiosensitive structures and their topographic heterogeneity. Furthermore, individual variability may expose patients to higher or lower risks of late cardiac damage or death. Damage mechanisms and radiobiological characteristics in heart irradiation are presented in relation to dosimetric and biological parameters.

Long-term non-cancer mortality in pediatric and young adult cancer survivors in Finland

BACKGROUND

Excess late mortality has been reported among pediatric cancer survivors, but there is a need to further establish risk profiles for non-cancer death and to examine cause-specific mortality among survivors of young adult cancers.

PROCEDURES

In a nationwide record linkage study in Finland, we identified 9,245 5-year cancer survivors diagnosed before age 35 and treated between 1966 and 1999, and followed them for mortality endpoints from 1971 to 2008. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to compare the observed number of deaths with those expected in the general Finnish population. Primary endpoints included death from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases; death from malignant diseases was excluded.

RESULTS

Non-malignant disease mortality in the cohort was 90% higher (SMR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.7-2.2) than expected, with SMRs for circulatory and respiratory disease similarly elevated (SMR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.5-2.3 and SMR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.3-3.8, respectively). Important differences were noted amongst patient subgroups, with risk greatest for survivors of central nervous system (CNS) cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The SMR's for circulatory disease were 6.6 (95% CI: 4.8-8.9) for HL and 4.8 (95% CI: 2.6-8.1) for NHL for the entire population; but these risks remained elevated for survivors diagnosed between 15 and 34 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies have shown that there is an elevated risk of non-cancer mortality in childhood cancer survivors; this is one of the first studies that show an increase in cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers.

The effects of proton radiation on the prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times of irradiated ferrets

PURPOSE

To determine whether proton radiation affects coagulation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ferrets were exposed to solar particle event-like proton radiation at doses of 0, 25, 100, or 200 centigray (cGy), and dose rates of 50 cGy/minute (high dose rate or HDR) or 50 cGy/hour (low dose rate or LDR). Plasma was isolated from blood collected prior to radiation exposure and at 3-7 h post-radiation. Prothrombin time (PT) assays and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assays were performed as were mixing studies to determine the coagulation factors involved.

RESULTS

HDR and LDR exposure led to statistically significant increases in PT values. It was determined that the HDR-induced increase in PT was due to Factor VII, while Factors II, V, and VII contributed to the LDR-induced increase in PT values. Only acute LDR exposure caused an increase in aPTT values, which remained elevated for 48 h post-irradiation (which was the latest time assayed in these studies). Mixing studies revealed that Factor IX contributed to the increased aPTT values. A majority of the animals exposed at the LDR had an International Normalized Ratio approaching or surpassing 2.0.

CONCLUSIONS

PT/aPTT assays resulted in increased clotting times due to different coagulation factors, indicating potential radiation-induced coagulopathy.

Radiation as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Abstract population are ubiquitous background radiation and medical exposure of patients. From the early 1980s to 2006, the average dose per individual in the United States for all sources of radiation increased by a factor of 1.7-6.2 mSv, with this increase due to the growth of medical imaging procedures. Radiation can place individuals at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Excess risk of cardiovascular disease occurs a long time after exposure to lower doses of radiation as demonstrated in Japanese atomic bomb survivors. This review examines sources of radiation (atomic bombs, radiation accidents, radiological terrorism, cancer treatment, space exploration, radiosurgery for cardiac arrhythmia, and computed tomography) and the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The evidence presented suggests an association between cardiovascular disease and exposure to low-to-moderate levels of radiation, as well as the well-known association at high doses. Studies are needed to define the extent that diagnostic and therapeutic radiation results in increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, to understand the mechanisms involved, and to develop strategies to mitigate or treat radiation-induced cardiovascular disease.

Radiation-induced heart disease: a clinical update

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improvement in cancer therapy has led to increasing number of cancer survivors, some of whom may suffer from adverse cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy. Longterm followup is essential, as the cardiac complication may manifest years after completion of radiation therapy. In this paper, we have discussed the cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy.

Screening Hodgkin lymphoma survivors for radiotherapy induced cardiovascular disease

Long term prognosis of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors is affected by late toxicity of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Cardiovascular complications of radiotherapy have been shown to have a great impact on the long term survival. The aim of this review is to summarize the available data on different screening modalities for cardiovascular disease and to suggest a screening program. Patients older than 45 years at HL diagnosis should be screened for coronary artery disease (CAD) starting 5 years after mediastinal radiotherapy; they are at increased risk of pre-existent atherosclerosis which can be accelerated by radiotherapy. Screening for CAD should start 10 years after radiotherapy in younger patients. The best screening modality for CAD is subject of discussion, based on the latest studies we suggest screening by Coronary artery calcium score measurements or CT-angiography. Valvular disorders should be looked for by echocardiography starting 10 years after radiotherapy. Electrocardiograms should be performed at each cardiovascular screening moment in order to detect arrhythmia's or conduction abnormalities. We suggest repeating these screening tests every 5 years or at onset of cardiovascular complaints; patients should be extensively instructed about signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease should be carefully monitored and treated. We suggest determining a cardiovascular risk profile at diagnosis of HL in patients older than 45 years. In case of a high risk, treating HL without RT should be considered.

Increased prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in long-term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Wilms tumor treated with radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Only a few studies have assessed cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) in childhood cancer survivors. We determined the prevalence of CRFs in long-term survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Wilms tumor.

PROCEDURE

Adult survivors of ALL and Wilms tumor treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT + CT) or treated with chemotherapy alone (CT) were compared with sibling controls. CRFs (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, renal insufficiency) and hormonal deficiencies were assessed in each participant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between CRFs and treatment.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine ALL, 62 Wilms tumor survivors, and 69 control subjects (mean ages 24.5, 25.9, and 26 years, respectively) were enrolled. Mean follow-up time since cancer treatment was 20.8 years. In the Wilms RT + CT group significantly more survivors had hypertension (21.6% vs. 1.4%, P < 0.001) and renal insufficiency (8.1% vs. 0%, P = 0.016) compared to controls. There were also more patients with multiple CRFs in the Wilms RT + CT group (16.2% vs. 2.9% in controls, P = 0.019). Almost 15% of ALL RT + CT survivors had growth hormone deficiency. Hypogonadism was seen in 18.9% of survivors in the Wilms RT + CT group. We observed no significant differences between CT-treated survivors of both malignancies and controls. The adjusted odds ratio for the occurrence of at least one CRF was 2.6 increased for survivors following abdominal radiotherapy. Treatment with CT alone was not associated with the occurrence of multiple CRFs.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survivors of ALL and Wilms tumor have unfavorable CRFs due to previous RT not CT.

Treatment with Corticosteroid for Pericardial Effusion in a Patient with Advanced Synchronous Esophageal and Gastric Cancers following Chemoradiotherapy

Severe late toxicity following chemoradiotherapy in esophageal cancer, especially cardiac toxicity, is sometimes difficult to treat and is associated with mortality. However there is little published information with regard to patients with delayed pericardial effusion following chemoradiotherapy and its management. We herein report the case of a 63-year-old man with advanced synchronous esophageal and gastric cancers. This patient presented with pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade after definitive chemoradiotherapy and was successfully treated with corticosteroid after pericardiocentesis. No instances of pericardial and pleural effusions were observed during the 2-year follow-up period until his death from cancer relapses.

Role of cancer treatment in long-term overall and cardiovascular mortality after childhood cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of treatment in long-term overall and cardiovascular mortality after childhood cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 4,122 5-year survivors of a childhood cancer diagnosed before 1986 in France and the United Kingdom. Information on chemotherapy was collected, and the radiation dose delivered to the heart was estimated for 2,870 patients who had received radiotherapy.

RESULTS

After 86,453 person-years of follow-up (average, 27 years), 603 deaths had occurred. The overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 8.3-fold higher (95% CI, 7.6-fold to 9.0-fold higher) in relation to the general populations in France and the United Kingdom. Thirty-two patients had died as a result of cardiovascular diseases (ie, 5.0-fold [95% CI, 3.3-fold to 6.7-fold] more than expected). The risk of dying as a result of cardiac diseases (n = 21) was significantly higher in individuals who had received a cumulative anthracycline dose greater than 360 mg/m(2) (relative risk [RR], 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 15.3) and in individuals who received an average radiation dose that exceeded 5 Gy (RR, 12.5 and 25.1 for 5 to 14.9 Gy and > 15 Gy, respectively) to the heart. A linear relationship was found between the average dose of radiation to the heart and the risk of cardiac mortality (estimated excess [corrected] RR at 1 Gy, 60%).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first, to our knowledge, to establish a relationship between the radiation dose received by the heart during radiotherapy for a childhood cancer and long-term cardiac mortality. This study also confirms a significant excess risk of cardiac mortality associated with a high cumulative dose of anthracyclines.