Cardiovascular toxicity of angiogenesis inhibitors in treatment of malignancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

An Overview of Cancer Biology, Pathophysiological Development and It's Treatment Modalities: Current Challenges of Cancer anti-Angiogenic Therapy

A number of conditions and factors can cause the transformation of normal cells in the body into malignant tissue by changing the normal functions of a wide range of regulatory, apoptotic, and signal transduction pathways. Despite the current deficiency in fully understanding the mechanism of cancer action accurately and clearly, numerous genes and proteins that are causally involved in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer have been identified. But due to the lack of space and the abundance of details on this complex topic, we have emphasized here more recent advances in our understanding of the principles implied tumor cell transformation, development, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Inhibition of angiogenesis is a significant strategy for the treatment of various solid tumors, that essentially depend on cutting or at least limiting the supply of blood to micro-regions of tumors, leading to pan-hypoxia and pan-necrosis inside solid tumor tissues. Researchers have continued to enhance the efficiency of anti-angiogenic drugs over the past two decades, to identify their potential in the drug interaction, and to discover reasonable interpretations for possible resistance to treatment. In this review, we have discussed an overview of cancer history and recent methods use in cancer therapy, focusing on anti-angiogenic inhibitors targeting angiogenesis formation. Further, this review has explained the molecular mechanism of action of these anti-angiogenic inhibitors in various tumor types and their limitations use. In addition, we described the synergistic mechanisms of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy and summarizes current clinical trials of these combinations. Many phase III trials found that combining immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy improved survival. Therefore, targeting the source supply of cancer cells to grow and spread with new anti-angiogenic agents in combination with different conventional therapy is a novel method to reduce cancer progression. The aim of this paper is to overview the varying concepts of cancer focusing on mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and provide an overview of the recent trends in anti-angiogenic strategies for cancer therapy.

Use of new and emerging cancer drugs: what the cardiologist needs to know

The last decade has witnessed a paradigm shift in cancer therapy, from non-specific cytotoxic chemotherapies to agents targeting specific molecular mechanisms. Nonetheless, cardiovascular toxicity of cancer therapies remains an important concern. This is particularly relevant given the significant improvement in survival of solid and haematological cancers achieved in the last decades. Cardio-oncology is a subspecialty of medicine focusing on the identification and prevention of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). This review will examine the new definition of CTR-CVT and guiding principles for baseline cardiovascular assessment and risk stratification before cancer therapy, providing take-home messages for non-specialized cardiologists.

Prediction of cardiovascular risk in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving anti-angiogenic drugs: lessons from sorafenib

Antiangiogenics are associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACE). The identification of at-risk subjects is relevant in the case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), for which anti-angiogenic TKIs and bevacizumab are used in first and subsequent lines of therapy, to select alternative drugs for patients with excessive risk. We verified the ability to predict MACE in sorafenib-treated patients of the 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC-2022) score for anti-angiogenics and the recently proposed CARDIOSOR score. A retrospective analysis was conducted of prospectively collected data of the ARPES and ITA.LI.CA databases. All patients received sorafenib for unresectable HCC from 2008 to 2018. Baseline information to calculate the ESC-2022 and CARDIOSOR scores and registration of evolutive events (including MACE) were available for all patients. The predictive ability of both scores was verified using competing risk regressions and tests for goodness of fit. This study included 843 patients (median follow-up 11.3 months). Thirty-four (4.0%) patients presented a MACE. The four-tier ESC-2022 classification showed a progressive risk increase for every class (cumulative risk 1.7%, 2.7%, 4.3%, and 15.0% in the low, medium, high, and high-risk tiers, respectively). The dichotomous CARDIOSOR scale identified a high-risk group with a fourfold increased risk of MACE (sHR 4.66, p = 0.010; cumulative risk 3.8% and 16.4%). ESC-2022 showed a better goodness of fit compared to the CARDIOSOR score [C-index 0.671 (0.583-0.758) vs 0.562 (0.501-0.634), p = 0.021], but this gap was eliminated using the linear version of CARDIOSOR. Both the ESC-2022 and CARDIOSOR scores discriminated patients at increased risk for MACE. The use of these scores in clinical practice should be encouraged, since therapeutic measures can mitigate the cardiovascular risk.

The efficacy and safety of continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin combined with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A growing body of evidence indicates that incorporating antiangiogenic agents into platinum-based chemotherapy may enhance the survival outcomes for NSCLC patients. However, the optimal administration protocol for intravenous recombinant human endostatin (rh-endostatin), an antiangiogenic agent, remains uncertain at present.

AIM

This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of 5-d continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC. The predictive biomarkers for this treatment regimen were further probed.

METHODS

This prospective, single-arm multicenter study enrolled a total of 48 patients with advanced NSCLC who were histologically or cytologically confirmed but had not received any prior treatment from January 2021 to December 2022. Prior to the chemotherapy, these patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin (210 mg) over a period of 120 h, using an infusion pump. The chemotherapy regimen included a combination of platinum with either pemetrexed or paclitaxel, given in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint of the study was median progression-free survival (mPFS), and the secondary endpoints included median overall survival (mOS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and assessment of adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

The mPFS was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-9.1 m) while the mOS was 12.3 months (95% CI: 7.6-18.5 m). The ORR and DCR was 52.1% and 75.0%, respectively. Leukopenia (52.1%), anemia (33.3%), and thrombocytopenia (20.8%) were the most common adverse effects and these toxicities were deemed acceptable and manageable. In addition, a correlation was noted between elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and decreased PFS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of a 5-day continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin into platinum-based doublet chemotherapy has demonstrated both safety and efficacy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Furthermore, the baseline serum levels of CEA may potentially function as a predictor for the efficacy of rh-endostatin when combined with chemotherapy in NSCLC patients.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV: NCT05574998.

Understanding Sorafenib-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity: Mechanisms and Treatment Implications

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been recognized as crucial agents for treating various tumors, and one of their key targets is the intracellular site of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). While TKIs have demonstrated their effectiveness in solid tumor patients and increased life expectancy, they can also lead to adverse cardiovascular effects including hypertension, thromboembolism, cardiac ischemia, and left ventricular dysfunction. Among the TKIs, sorafenib was the first approved agent and it exerts anti-tumor effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation through targeting VEGFR and RAF. Unfortunately, the adverse cardiovascular effects caused by sorafenib not only affect solid tumor patients but also limit its application in curing other diseases. This review explores the mechanisms underlying sorafenib-induced cardiovascular adverse effects, including endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, dysregulated autophagy, and ferroptosis. It also discusses potential treatment strategies, such as antioxidants and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, and highlights the association between sorafenib-induced hypertension and treatment efficacy in cancer patients. Furthermore, emerging research suggests a link between sorafenib-induced glycolysis, drug resistance, and cardiovascular toxicity, necessitating further investigation. Overall, understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing sorafenib therapy and minimizing cardiovascular risks in cancer patients.

Sunitinib for metastatic progressive phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas: results from FIRSTMAPPP, an academic, multicentre, international, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

No randomised controlled trial has ever been done in patients with metastatic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Preclinical and first clinical evidence suggested beneficial effects of sunitinib. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sunitinib in patients with metastatic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

METHODS

FIRSTMAPPP is a multicentre, international, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 2 trial done at 14 academic centres across four European countries. Eligible participants were adults (aged ≥18 years) with sporadic or inherited progressive metastatic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either oral sunitinib (37·5 mg per day) or placebo. Randomisation was stratified according to SDHB status (mutation present vs wild type) and number of previous systemic therapies (0 vs ≥1). Primary endpoint was the rate of progression-free survival at 12 months according to real-time central review (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours version 1.1). On the basis of a two-step Simon model, we aimed for the accrual of 78 patients, assuming a 20% improvement of the 12-month progression-free survival rate from 20% to 40%, to conclude that sunitinib is effective. Crossover from the placebo group was allowed. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01371201, and is closed for enrolment.

FINDINGS

From Dec 1, 2011, to Jan 31, 2019, a total of 78 patients with progressive metastatic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas were enrolled (39 patients per group). 25 (32%) of 78 patients had germline SDHx variants and 54 (69%) had used previous therapies. The primary endpoint was met, with a 12-month progression-free survival in 14 of 39 patients (36% [90% CI 23-50]) in the sunitinib group. In the placebo group, the 12-month progression-free survival in seven of 39 patients was 19% (90% CI 11-31), validating the hypotheses of our study design. The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events were asthenia (seven [18%] of 39 and one [3%] of 39), hypertension (five [13%] and four [10%]), and back or bone pain (one [3%] and three [8%]) in the sunitinib and placebo groups, respectively. Three deaths occurred in the sunitinib group: these deaths were due to respiratory insufficiency, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and rectal bleeding. Only the latter event was considered drug related. Two deaths occurred in the placebo group due to aspiration pneumonia and septic shock.

INTERPRETATION

This first randomised trial supports the use of sunitinib as the medical option with the highest level of evidence for anti-tumour efficacy in progressive metastatic phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas.

FUNDING

French Ministry of Health, through the National Institute for Cancer, German Ministry of Education and Research, and the German Research Foundation within the CRC/Transregio 205/2, EU Seventh Framework Programme, and a private donator grant.

Chronic diseases spectrum and multimorbidity in elderly inpatients based on a 12-year epidemiological survey in China

BACKGROUND

The number and proportion of the elderly population have been continuously increasing in China, leading to the elevated prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity, which ultimately brings heavy burden to society and families. Meanwhile, the status of multimorbidity tends to be more complex in elderly inpatients than community population. In view of the above concerns, this study was designed to investigate the health status of elderly inpatients by analyzing clinical data in Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital from 2008 to 2019, including the constitution of common diseases, comorbidities, the status of multimorbidity, in-hospital death and polypharmacy among elderly inpatients, so as to better understand the diseases spectrum and multimorbidity of elderly inpatients and also to provide supporting evidence for targeted management of chronic diseases in the elderly.

METHODS

A clinical inpatients database was set up by collecting medical records of elderly inpatients from 2008 to 2019 in Chinese PLA General Hospital, focusing on diseases spectrum and characteristics of elderly inpatients. In this study, we collected data of inpatients aged ≥ 65 years old, and further analyzed the constitution of diseases, multimorbidity rates and mortality causes in the past decade. In addition, the prescriptions were also analyzed to investigate the status of polypharmacy in elderly inpatients.

RESULTS

A total of 210,169 elderly patients were hospitalized from January 1st, 2008 to December 31st, 2019. The corresponding number of hospitalizations was 290,833. The average age of the study population was 72.67 years old. Of the total population, 73,493 elderly patients were re-admitted within one year, with the re-hospitalization rate of 25.27%. Malignant tumor, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease were the top 5 diseases. Among the study population, the number of patients with two or more long-term health conditions was 267,259, accounting for 91.89%, with an average of 4.68 diseases. In addition, the average number of medications taken by the study population was 5.4, among which, the proportion of patients taking more than 5 types of medications accounted for 55.42%.

CONCLUSIONS

By analyzing the constitution of diseases and multimorbidity, we found that multimorbidity has turned out to be a prominent problem in elderly inpatients, greatly affecting the process of healthy aging and increasing the burden on families and society. Therefore, multidisciplinary treatment should be strengthened to make reasonable preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve the life quality of the elderly. Meanwhile, more attention should be paid to reasonable medications for elderly patients with multimorbidity to avoid preventable side effects caused by irrational medication therapy.

Risk of cardiovascular toxicity with combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and angiogenesis inhibitors (AIs) have been investigated for the treatment of several tumor types. Both ICIs and AIs may lead to cardiovascular adverse events, and their combination may potentially increase the risk for cardiovascular toxicity. In the present meta-analysis, we aim to assess the cardiovascular toxicity of ICIs plus AIs vs. AIs alone. Secondary objectives are non-cardiovascular adverse events and efficacy.

Methods

Systematic review was performed according to PRISMA statement. Phase II and III randomized clinical trials were identified by searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library and ASCO Meeting abstracts, from inception to June 2022. The pooled risks for overall response rate (ORR), 1-year progression-free survival (PFS), adverse events (AEs), immune-related AEs, (irAEs), hypertension, and vascular events defined as stroke, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolisms, were calculated.

Results

In terms of cardiovascular toxicity, we found higher risk for severe hypertension among patients treated with ICIs plus AIs as compared with those receiving AIs (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.53), but no significant difference was found for any-grade hypertension, and for vascular events. There was also no difference in terms of overall AEs, whereas the incidence of irAEs was increased in the ICIs plus AIs arm, as expected. In terms of efficacy, ICIs plus AIs achieved better ORR (OR 2.25, 95% CI: 1.70-2.97) and PFS (HR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.39-0.63) as compared to AIs alone.

Conclusion

The addition of ICIs to AIs significantly increased the risk of high-grade hypertension, but not that of acute vascular events.

Cardiac and Nephrological Complications Related to the Use of Antiangiogenic and Anti-Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Receptor/Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Ligand Therapy

The ability to undergo neoangiogenesis is a common feature with all cancers. Signaling related to vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and their receptors (VEGFR) plays a key role in the process of tumor neoangiogenesis. A close relationship has been demonstrated between excessive VEGF levels and the induction of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. The use of drugs blocking the VEGF function, apart from the anticancer effect, also result in adverse effects, in particular related to the circulatory system and kidneys. Cardiac toxicity associated with the use of such therapy manifests itself mainly in the form of hypertension, thromboembolic episodes and ischemic heart disease. In the case of renal complications, the most common symptoms include renal arterial hypertension, proteinuria and microangiopathy. Although these complications are reversible in 60-80% of cases after cessation of VSP (VEGF pathway inhibitor) therapy, in some cases they can lead to irreversible changes in renal function, whereas cardiac complications may be fatal. Also, the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors may result in kidney and heart damage. In the case of cardiac complications, the most common symptoms include myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome and vasculitis, while kidney damage most often manifests as acute kidney injury (AKI), nephrotic syndrome, pyuria or hematuria. The decision whether to resume treatment after the occurrence of cardiovascular and renal complications remains a problem.

Predictors for the Development of Thromboembolic Events in Cancer Patients Treated with Bevacizumab, Ramucirumab, and Aflibercept: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The risk of thromboembolic events developing limits the dose of antiangiogenic agents, thereby reducing their efficacy. This retrospective study therefore sought to identify predictors for the development of antiangiogenic agent-induced thromboembolic events and to elucidate whether differences in the likelihood of thromboembolic events exist between different antiangiogenic agents or cancer types, to guide future strategies for optimizing safety, efficacy, and quality of life in patients receiving chemotherapy.

METHODS

This study retrospectively investigated 468 cancer patients who received chemotherapy with bevacizumab, ramucirumab, or aflibercept at our outpatient chemotherapy center between December 2016 and April 2022. Variables related to the development of thromboembolic events were extracted from the medical records, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for the development of thromboembolic events. The Wilcoxon/Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect significant differences between groups.

RESULTS

Significant factors included serum albumin level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.363, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.193-0.685; p = 0.0017) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 5.356, 95% CI = 1.711-16.769; p = 0.0039). Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (OR = 0.307) had low OR, although it was not significant. No difference in the development of thromboembolic events was evident between cancer types (p = 0.0781), but differences were identified between the three antiangiogenic agents (p = 0.0132). Ramucirumab was associated with a lower likelihood of thromboembolic events.

CONCLUSION

Serum albumin level and diabetes mellitus were identified as significant predictors for the development of antiangiogenic agent-induced thromboembolic events. In addition, the likelihood of thromboembolic events did not differ between cancer types but differed between antiangiogenic agents.

Cardiovascular Toxicity of Angiogenesis Inhibitors Among Patients With Cancer in Taiwan: A Nested Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Research on the cardiovascular toxicity of angiogenesis inhibitors among patients with cancer in Taiwan is lacking. This observational study explored the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) associated with angiogenesis inhibitors in Taiwan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a nested case-control study using the TCR (Taiwan Cancer Registry) linked with the Taiwan National Insurance Claim Database. We matched every case with 4 controls using risk-set sampling by index date, age, sex, cancer type, and cancer diagnosis date. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the risks of MACEs and different cardiovascular events using propensity score adjustment or matching. Sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the risks matched by cancer stages or exposure within 1 year. Among a cohort of 284 292 after the exclusion of prevalent cases, the incidences of MACEs among the overall cohort and those exposed to angiogenesis inhibitors were 22.5 and 32.5 events per 1000 person-years, respectively. We matched 17 817 cases with 70 740 controls, with a mean age of 74.9 years, and 56.8% of patients were men. After propensity score adjustment, angiogenesis inhibitors were associated with increased risks of MACEs (odds ratio, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.78-11.59). Significantly increased risks were noted for heart failure hospitalization, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and venous thromboembolism, but not for new-onset atrial fibrillation. Similar results were observed after matching by cancer stage or restriction of 1-year exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Angiogenesis inhibitors were associated with increased risks of MACEs among patients with various malignancies in Taiwan but were not associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Major adverse cardiovascular events of vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors among patients with different malignancy: A systemic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs) are a common cancer treatment. However, the pharmacologic characteristics of VEGF-TKIs may influence cardiovascular risks. The relative risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) associated with VEGF-TKIs are poorly understood.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until August 31, 2021, for phase II/III randomized controlled trials of 11 VEGF-TKIs (axitinib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, pazopanib, ponatinib, ripretinib, regorafenib, sorafenib, sunitinib, tivozanib, and vandetanib). The endpoints were heart failure, thromboembolism, and cardiovascular death. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the risk of VEGF-TKI among users by comparing it to nonusers. Pairwise meta-analyses with a random-effects model were used to estimate the risks of the various VEGF-TKIs. We estimated ranked probability with a P-score and assessed credibility using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis framework.

RESULTS

We identified 69 trials involving 30 180 patients with cancer. The highest risk of MACEs was associated with high-potency tivazonib (odds ratio [OR]: 3.34), lenvatinib (OR: 3.26), and axitinib (OR: 2.04), followed by low-potency pazopanib (OR: 1.79), sorafenib (OR: 1.77), and sunitinib (OR: 1.66). The risk of heart failure significantly increased in association with less-selective sorafenib (OR: 3.53), pazopanib (OR: 3.10), and sunitinib (OR: 2.65). The risk of thromboembolism significantly increased in association with nonselective lenvatinib (OR: 3.12), sorafenib (OR: 1.54), and sunitinib (OR: 1.53). Higher potency (tivozanib, axitinib) and lower selectivity (sorafenib, vandetanib, pazopanib, sunitinib) were associated with a higher probability of heart failure. Low selectivity (lenvatinib, cabozantinib, sorafenib, sunitinib) was associated with a higher probability of thromboembolism.

CONCLUSION

Higher-potency and lower-selectivity VEGF-TKIs may influence the risks of MACEs, heart failure, and thromboembolism. These findings may facilitate evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice.

Cellular functions of heat shock protein 20 (HSPB6) in cancer: A review

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are a large family of peptide proteins that are widely found in cells. Studies have shown that the expression and function of HSPs in cells are very complex, and they can participate in cellular physiological and pathological processes through multiple pathways. Multiple heat shock proteins are associated with cancer cell growth, proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer drugs, and they play a key role in cancer development by ensuring the correct folding or degradation of proteins in cancer cells. As research hotspots, HSP90, HSP70 and HSP27 have been extensively studied in cancer so far. However, HSP20, also referred to as HSPB6, as a member of the small heat shock protein family, has been shown to play an important role in the cardiovascular system, but little research has been conducted on HSP20 in cancer. This review summarizes the current cellular functions of HSP20 in different cancer types, as well as its effects on cancer proliferation, progression, prognosis, and its other functions in cancer, to illustrate the close association between HSP20 and cancer. We show that, unlike most HSPs, HSP20 mainly plays an active anticancer role in cancer development, which is expected to provide new ideas and help for cancer diagnosis and treatment and research.

Management of hypertension in patients with cancer: challenges and considerations

The survival rates of many cancers have significantly improved due to recent advancements in cancer screening and therapeutics. Although better cancer outcomes are encouraging, additional health challenges have surfaced, the utmost of which is the burden imposed by various cardiovascular and renal toxicities of anticancer therapies. To improve the overall outcome of patients with cancer, it is essential to understand and manage these treatment-related adverse effects. The cardiovascular side effects of antineoplastic therapies are well-known and include left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, myocardial ischaemia, QT prolongation, arrhythmia and hypertension. Among these, hypertension is the most common complication, prevalent in about 40% of all cancer patients, yet frequently overlooked and undertreated. This review explores the intricate connection between cancer and hypertension and provides distinct approaches to diagnosing, monitoring and managing hypertension in patients with cancer. We also outline the challenges and considerations that are relevant to the care of patients receiving anticancer drugs with prohypertensive potential.

Research Progress on Mechanism and Management of Adverse Drug Reactions of Anlotinib

Anti-angiogenesis therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of tumors, with anlotinib as its representative targeted drug. Anlotinib is a novel oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with inhibitory effects on tumor growth tumor angiogenesis. In Phase III clinical trials, anlotinib demonstrated better overall survival and progression-free survival than placebo in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and was approved for the first time as a third-line treatment for refractory advanced NSCLC. Going far beyond that, anlotinib has shown encouraging results in a variety of malignancies, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, gastric cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, anlotinib has been subject to some controversy in terms of adverse events due to its widespread use. In this review, the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics, adverse reactions in clinical use and management of anlotinib were summarized.

Cardiovascular disease in space: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

With expanding commercial space programs, uncertainty remains about the cardiovascular effects of space environmental exposures including microgravity, confinement, isolation, space radiation, and altered bacterial virulence. Current limited data suggests additional health threats compared to Earth.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on spaceflight and cardiovascular outcomes. Search terms combined cardiovascular disease topics with spaceflight concepts. No date or language restrictions were imposed.

RESULTS

35 studies representing 2696 space travelers met inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped into spaceflight associations with: atherosclerosis, mortality, cardiac function, orthostatic intolerance, and arrhythmias. Atherosclerosis evidence was limited, with animal studies linking space radiation to endothelial damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, human data showed no significantly increased atherosclerotic disease in astronauts. Mortality studies demonstrated lower cardiovascular mortality in astronauts compared to the general population however there was conflicting data. Cardiac function studies revealed physiologic ventricular atrophy, increased arterial stiffness, and altered blood flow distribution attributed to microgravity exposure. Effects appeared transient and reversible post-flight. Orthostatic intolerance studies found astronauts experienced altered heart rate variability, baroreflex response, and blood pressure changes post-flight. Arrhythmia studies showed increased ventricular ectopy during spaceflight, but limited data on long term flights.

CONCLUSIONS

Environmental space hazards impact the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. Microgravity causes cardiac atrophy and orthostatic intolerance while space radiation may potentially accelerate atherosclerosis. Further research is needed, especially regarding long-term spaceflights.

Aneurysm and Artery Dissection After Oral VEGFR-TKI Use in Adults With Cancer

Importance

The association of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-TKIs) with aneurysm and artery dissection (AAD) has been frequently reported in spontaneous reporting databases.

Objective

To investigate the risk and incidence of AAD occurrence in patients with cancer treated with oral VEGFR-TKIs, with capecitabine as an active comparator.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This national, historical cohort study was conducted using national claims data from the National Health Insurance Service in Korea from 2007 to 2020, with a 1-year follow-up. Patients with cancer aged 40 years or older prescribed oral VEGFR-TKIs or capecitabine were enrolled. Data were analyzed from September 2022 through April 2023.

Exposure

Oral VEGFR-TKIs (sorafenib, regorafenib, vandetanib, sunitinib, lenvatinib, axitinib, and pazopanib) or capecitabine as a comparator.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hazard ratios (HRs) were used to investigate the association between VEGFR-TKI use and AAD after propensity score matching. The primary outcome was AAD, and secondary outcomes were aortic aneurysm and dissection and AAD with rupture. Outcomes were defined using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis codes.

Results

Among 127 710 patients with cancer eligible for the study (80 386 males [62.9%]; mean [SD] age, 62.6 [10.9] years), 37 308 patients received VEGFR-TKIs and 90 402 patients received capecitabine. Among 27 535 matched patients receiving VEGFR-TKIs, the incidence of AAD within 1 year of treatment initiation was 6.0 per 1000 person-years. The median (IQR) time to AAD onset in the matched AAD group was 114 (67-257) days after treatment initiation, with the highest incidence observed during the first 3 months (45 incidents vs 31, 17, and 16 incidents during 3- to 6-month, 6- to 9-month, and 9- to 12-month periods, respectively). Cox regression modeling showed that the risk of AAD occurrence was significantly higher among patients prescribed VEGFR-TKIs than those receiving capecitabine (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.08-2.02); similar results were obtained among females (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.26-3.42), older adults (aged ≥65 years; HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01-1.99), and patients with dyslipidemia (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.11-2.24).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the use of oral VEGFR-TKIs was associated with an increased risk of AAD occurrence. These findings elucidate vascular toxic effects and may provide a substantial reference for reducing the socioeconomic burden of adverse events associated with VEGFR-TKI use.

From randomised controlled trials to real-world data: Clinical evidence to guide management of diabetic macular oedema

Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) are generally considered the gold-standard for providing scientific evidence for treatments' effectiveness and safety but their findings may not always be generalisable to the broader population treated in routine clinical practice. RCTs include highly selected patient populations that fit specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Although they may have a lower level of certainty than RCTs on the evidence hierarchy, real-world data (RWD), such as observational studies, registries and databases, provide real-world evidence (RWE) that can complement RCTs. For example, RWE may help satisfy requirements for a new indication of an already approved drug and help us better understand long-term treatment effectiveness, safety and patterns of use in clinical practice. Many countries have set up registries, observational studies and databases containing information on patients with retinal diseases, such as diabetic macular oedema (DMO). These DMO RWD have produced significant clinical evidence in the past decade that has changed the management of DMO. RWD and medico-administrative databases are a useful resource to identify low frequency safety signals. They often have long-term follow-up with a large number of patients and minimal exclusion criteria. We will discuss improvements in healthcare information exchange technologies, such as blockchain technology and FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources), which will connect and extend databases already available. These registries can be linked with existing or emerging retinal imaging modalities using artificial intelligence to aid diagnosis, treatment decisions and provide prognostic information. The results of RCTs and RWE are combined to provide evidence-based guidelines.

Toxicity Management of Systemic Kidney Cancer Therapies

Systemic treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma have expanded to include antiangiogenic agents targeting either vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, immune checkpoint inhibitors against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4, or programmed cell death 1 pathways, and combinations of these treatments. The hypoxia inducible factor-2 inhibitors are emerging, whereas mammalian target of rapamycin (inhibitors) role is fading. To sustain optimal efficacy of these agents, potential toxicities must be recognized early and clinically managed. Here, the authors discuss the adverse events attributable to these treatments and management strategies.

Multimodal Imaging of Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Breast Cancer-A State-of-the-Art Review

BACKGROUND

This review focuses on multimodality imaging of cardiotoxicity in cancer patients, with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of different techniques in detecting and monitoring cardiac changes associated with cancer therapy.

METHODS

Eight studies were included in the review, covering various imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and multigated acquisition scanning.

RESULTS

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging emerged as the most definitive modality, offering real-time detection, comprehensive assessment of cardiac function, the ability to detect early myocardial changes, and superior detection of cardiotoxicity when compared to the other imaging modalities. The studies also emphasize the importance of parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain in assessing cardiac function and predicting cardiotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Due to the common use of HER2 agents and anthracyclines within the breast cancer population, the LVEF as a critical prognostic measurement for assessing heart health and estimating the severity of left-sided cardiac malfunction is a commonly used endpoint. CTRCD rates differed between imaging modalities, with cardiac MRI the most sensitive. The use of multimodal cardiac imaging remains a nuanced area, influenced by local availability, the clinical question at hand, body habits, and medical comorbidities. All of the imaging modalities listed have a role to play in current care; however, focus should be given to increasing the provision of cardiac MRI for breast cancer patients in the future to optimize the detection of CTRCD and patient outcomes thereafter.

Adverse effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy: pathophysiology, mechanisms and clinical management

Since their invention in the early 2000s, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have gained prominence as the most effective pathway-directed anti-cancer agents. TKIs have shown significant utility in the treatment of multiple hematological malignancies and solid tumors, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, non-small cell lung cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and HER2-positive breast cancers. Given their widespread applications, an increasing frequency of TKI-induced adverse effects has been reported. Although TKIs are known to affect multiple organs in the body including the lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, thyroid, blood, and skin, cardiac involvement accounts for some of the most serious complications. The most frequently reported cardiovascular side effects range from hypertension, atrial fibrillation, reduced cardiac function, and heart failure to sudden death. The potential mechanisms of these side effects are unclear, leading to critical knowledge gaps in the development of effective therapy and treatment guidelines. There are limited data to infer the best clinical approaches for the early detection and therapeutic modulation of TKI-induced side effects, and universal consensus regarding various management guidelines is yet to be reached. In this state-of-the-art review, we examine multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies and curate evidence on the pathophysiology, mechanisms, and clinical management of these adverse reactions. We expect that this review will provide researchers and allied healthcare providers with the most up-to-date information on the pathophysiology, natural history, risk stratification, and management of emerging TKI-induced side effects in cancer patients.

Patient phenotype profiling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to guide therapeutic decision making. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association, the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology, and the European Society of Hypertension

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents a highly heterogeneous clinical syndrome affected in its development and progression by many comorbidities. The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction may be a manifestation of various combinations of cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, and geriatric conditions. Thus, in addition to treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in all patients, the most effective method of improving clinical outcomes may be therapy tailored to each patient's clinical profile. To better outline a phenotype-based approach for the treatment of HFpEF, in this joint position paper, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, the European Heart Rhythm Association and the European Hypertension Society, have developed an algorithm to identify the most common HFpEF phenotypes and identify the evidence-based treatment strategy for each, while taking into account the complexities of multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy.

Cardiovascular Complications of Pan-Cancer Therapies: The Need for Cardio-Oncology

It is more likely that a long-term survivor will have both cardiovascular disease and cancer on account of the progress in cancer therapy. Cardiotoxicity is a well-recognized and highly concerning adverse effect of cancer therapies. This side effect can manifest in a proportion of cancer patients and may lead to the discontinuation of potentially life-saving anticancer treatment regimens. Consequently, this discontinuation may adversely affect the patient's survival prognosis. There are various underlying mechanisms by which each anticancer treatment affects the cardiovascular system. Similarly, the incidence of cardiovascular events varies with different protocols for malignant tumors. In the future, comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment and clinical monitoring should be considered for cancer treatments. Baseline cardiovascular evaluation risk should be emphasized prior to initiating clinical therapy in patients. Additionally, we highlight that there is a need for cardio-oncology to avoid or prevent cardiovascular side effects. Cardio-oncology service is based on identifying cardiotoxicity, developing strategies to reduce these toxicities, and minimizing long-term cardiotoxic effects.

Part 1: The Clinical Applications of Left Ventricular Myocardial Strain

There is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Indices of left ventricular (LV) systolic function such as LV ejection fraction used to identify those at risk of adverse cardiac events such as heart failure may not be truly representative of LV systolic function in certain cardiac diseases. Given that LV ejection fraction reduction may represent more advanced irreversible stages of disease, measures of myocardial strain have emerged as a feasible and robust instrument for the early identification of heart disease and subtle LV systolic dysfunction. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of myocardial strain concepts and emerging clinical applications of global longitudinal strain in cardio-oncology.

Established and Emerging Cancer Therapies and Cardiovascular System: Focus on Hypertension-Mechanisms and Mitigation

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are 2 of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although improvements in outcomes have been noted for both disease entities, the success of cancer therapies has come at the cost of at times very impactful adverse events such as cardiovascular events. Hypertension has been noted as both, a side effect as well as a risk factor for the cardiotoxicity of cancer therapies. Some of these dynamics are in keeping with the role of hypertension as a cardiovascular risk factor not only for heart failure, but also for the development of coronary and cerebrovascular disease, and kidney disease and its association with a higher morbidity and mortality overall. Other aspects such as the molecular mechanisms underlying the amplification of acute and long-term cardiotoxicity risk of anthracyclines and increase in blood pressure with various cancer therapeutics remain to be elucidated. In this review, we cover the latest clinical data regarding the risk of hypertension across a spectrum of novel anticancer therapies as well as the underlying known or postulated pathophysiological mechanisms. Furthermore, we review the acute and long-term implications for the amplification of the development of cardiotoxicity with drugs not commonly associated with hypertension such as anthracyclines. An outline of management strategies, including pharmacological and lifestyle interventions as well as models of care aimed to facilitate early detection and more timely management of hypertension in patients with cancer and survivors concludes this review, which overall aims to improve both cardiovascular and cancer-specific outcomes.

Cardiovascular toxicity associated with the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib

BACKGROUND

Anlotinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been shown to have encouraging activity against many tumors, but its cardiovascular toxicity has not been investigated specifically. We reviewed anlotinib-associated cardiovascular adverse events in patients and explored its cardiotoxicity in vitro.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all cardiovascular events in 62 patients with unresectable tumors who had taken anlotinib and mainly examined anlotinib's effects on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and blood pressure. Besides, we investigated its cardiotoxicity in Neonatal Rat Ventricular Myocytes (NRVMs).

RESULTS

All-grade hypertension was seen in 60 patients (97%), and 25 individuals (40%) developed grade 3 hypertension. Significant univariate associations for predictors of post-treatment hypertension were age (P<0.001), BMI (P=0.003), ECOG PS(P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (P=0.035), dose of anlotinib (P=0.025). Multivariate analysis suggested that age [odds ratio (OR) 1.079, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.029-1.130, P= 0.001] and BMI [OR 3.448, 95% CI: 1.410-8.433, P= 0.007] were the only significant independent predictors. No grade 3/4 left ventricular systolic dysfunction was reported. One patient (2%) had acute myocardial infarction, leading to cardiac death. In vitro, western blotting results showed that the levels of ANP, BNP, c-Myc and Cleaved Caspase3 were notably increased and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was strikingly increased in anlotinib group, as detected by TUNEL staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results showed that anlotinib could induce rat cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Nonetheless, anlotinib-associated cardiovascular toxicity was acceptable and manageable for patients with unresectable tumors.

Aortic stiffness and systemic inflammation changes predict clinical response to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in patients with age-related macular degeneration

Aortic stiffness and systemic inflammation are predictors of cardiovascular risk. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (anti-VEGF), injected intravitreally, can reverse the course of exudate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We sought to investigate the association of changes in aortic stiffness and systemic inflammation with response to anti-VEGF therapy. 54 patients (mean age: 76 ± 10 years) with AMD received two consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg). The primary outcome measure was change in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) from baseline to 1 month after the second injection. Secondary endpoint was the change in serum high sensitivity interleukin-6 (hsIL-6) levels. Ranibizumab caused a decrease of PWV after the first (by 0.36 ± 1.4 m/s) and the second injection (by 0.31 ± 1.4 m/s) and remained decreased 1 month after the second injection (overall P < 0.05). PWV decreased significantly in good responders (according to clinical criteria and fundus findings, P = 0.004), whereas it increased numerically in poor responders (P = 0.21) over the study period. In responders, hsIL-6 decreased after the first injection and remained decreased 1 month after the second injection (by 0.63 ± 0.35 pg/ml, overall P = 0.02). PWV (P = 0.005) and hsIL-6 (P = 0.042) were independent predictors of improvement after adjusting for age and presence of hypertension and diabetes. The decrease in PWV through the whole study period was positively correlated with the reduction in hsIL-6 (r = 0.36, P < 0.01). Intravitreal ranibizumab injections lead to a decrease in PWV and hsIL-6. Both parameters predict clinical improvement and may aid to improving treatment targeting and hence therapeutic outcome in patients with AMD.

Onco-Hypertension: Changing Paradigm of Treating Hypertension in Patients With Cancer

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors' suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.Hypertension (HTN) in patients with cancer remains an underestimated yet complex clinical conundrum to merit its own marker of Onco-Hypertension. A myriad of antineoplastic drugs from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor antibodies such as bevacizumab, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), cisplatin, and carfilzomib cause new or worsening HTN, and HTN is also a risk factor for certain cancers such as renal cell carcinoma. Untreated HTN before and during cancer treatment potentially increases the short-term and long-term risk of cardiotoxicity, such as heart failure, and affects both cancer and cardiovascular mortality. However, efficient and early management of HTN in patients with cancer is often challenging because of multiple drug interactions, noncompliance, and intolerance of medications because of the side effects of cancer treatments, labile nature of HTN, use of non-neoplastic drugs such as steroids and erythropoietin, and pharmacogenetic interactions between cancer treatment and HTN-related genes. The Oncology Grand Rounds aim to examine the bidirectional association and challenges of managing HTN in patients with cancer and the necessity for precision medicine to manage it.

Cardiovascular toxicity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors during cancer treatment: Potential involvement of TRPM7

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a class of membrane spanning cell-surface receptors that transmit extracellular signals through the membrane to trigger diverse intracellular signaling through tyrosine kinases (TKs), and play important role in cancer development. Therapeutic approaches targeting RTKs such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and TKs, such as c-Src, ABL, JAK, are widely used to treat human cancers. Despite favorable benefits in cancer treatment that prolong survival, these tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies targeting RTKs are also accompanied by adverse effects, including cardiovascular toxicity. Mechanisms underlying TKI-induced cardiovascular toxicity remain unclear. The transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) is a ubiquitously expressed chanzyme consisting of a membrane-based ion channel and intracellular α-kinase. TRPM7 is a cation channel that regulates transmembrane Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ and is involved in a variety of (patho)physiological processes in the cardiovascular system, contributing to hypertension, cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and atrial arrhythmias. Of importance, we and others demonstrated significant cross-talk between TRPM7, RTKs, and TK signaling in different cell types including vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which might be a link between TKIs and their cardiovascular effects. In this review, we summarize the implications of RTK inhibitors (RTKIs) and TKIs in cardiovascular toxicities during anti-cancer treatment, with a focus on the potential role of TRPM7/Mg²⁺ as a mediator of RTKI/TKI-induced cardiovascular toxicity. We also describe the important role of TRPM7 in cancer development and cardiovascular diseases, and the interaction between TRPM7 and RTKs, providing insights for possible mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease in cancer patients treated with RTKI/TKIs.

The value of the multidisciplinary team in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Paving the way for precision medicine in toxicities management

The new landscape of treatments for metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma (mRCC) is constantly expanding, but it is associated with the emergence of novel toxicities, adding to up to those observed in the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) era. Indeed, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone or in combination has been associated with the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involving multiple-organ systems which, even if rarely, had led to fatal outcomes. Moreover, due to the relatively recent addition of ICIs to the previously available treatments, the potential additive adverse effects of these combinations are still unknown. A prompt recognition and management of these toxicities currently represents a fundamental issue in oncology, since it correlates with the outcome of cancer patients. Even if clinical guidelines provide indications for the management of irAEs, no specific protocol to evaluate the individual risk of developing an adverse event during therapy is currently available. A multidisciplinary approach addressing appropriate interventions aimed at reducing the risk of any insidious, severe, and/or dose-limiting toxicity might represent the most efficacious strategy to timely prevent and manage severe irAEs, allowing indirectly to improve both patients' cancer-specific survival and quality of life. In this review, we reported a five-case series of toxicity events that occurred at our center during treatment for mRCC followed by the remarks of physicians from different specialties, pinpointing the relevant role of an integrated and extended multidisciplinary team in a modern model of mRCC patient management.

Cardiotoxicity of Selected Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most frequent malignant neoplasms of the kidney. The therapeutic options available for the treatment of advanced or metastatic RCC include vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted molecules, for example, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Various VEGFR-TKIs proved to be effective in the treatment of patients with solid tumours. The combination of two drugs may prove most beneficial in the treatment of metastatic RCC; however, it also enhances the risk of toxicity compared to monotherapy. Specific VEGFR-TKIs (e.g., sunitinib, sorafenib or pazopanib) may increase the rate of cardiotoxicity in metastatic settings. VEGF inhibitors modulate multiple signalling pathways; thus, the identification of the mechanism underlying cardiotoxicity appears challenging. VEGF signalling is vital for the maintenance of cardiomyocyte homeostasis and cardiac function; therefore, its inhibition can be responsible for the reported adverse effects. Disturbed growth factor signalling pathways may be associated with endothelial dysfunction, impaired revascularization, the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophies and altered peripheral vascular load. Patients at high cardiovascular risk at baseline could benefit from clinical follow-up in the first 2-4 weeks after the introduction of targeted molecular therapy; however, there is no consensus concerning the surveillance strategy.

New Concepts in Cardio-Oncology

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two major causes of morbidity and mortality in worldwide. Discovering new therapeutic agents for the management of breast cancer (BC) has increased the numbers of cancer survivors but with the risk of cardiovascular adverse events (CV-AEs). All drugs can potentially damage the cardiovascular system, with different types of clinical manifestations from ischemic myocardial disease to vasculitis, thrombosis or pericarditis. An early detection of CV-AEs guarantees an earlier treatment, which is associated with better outcomes. Cardio-oncology field enlarged its studies to improve prevention, monitoring and treatment of all cardiotoxic manifestations related to old or modern oncological agents. A multidisciplinary approach with a close partnership between oncologists and cardiologists is essential for an optimal management and therapeutic decision-making. The aim of this chapter is to review all types of cardiotoxic manifestations related to novel and old agents approved for treatment of BC patients including chemotherapy, anti-HER2 agents, cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors, PolyADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, antiangiogenic drugs and immunotherapy. We also focused our discussion on prevention, monitoring, treatment, and management of CV-AEs.

Human Health during Space Travel: State-of-the-Art Review

The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research.

Risk of Thromboembolic Events and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has been a standard treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. However, the risk of thromboembolic events and cardiovascular events associated with this therapy remains controversial. We assessed whether anti-VEGF therapy increases the risk of thromboembolic events or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with colorectal cancer based on real-world evidence. This retrospective cohort study was designed using linked 2009-2016 nationwide databases, including the Taiwan Cancer Registry, the National Health Insurance Research Database, and Taiwan's National Death Index. In total, 189,708 patients newly diagnosed as having advanced colorectal cancer from 2009 to 2016 were identified and categorized into the anti-VEGF and comparator groups through age, sex, clinical stage, and diagnosis date (within 180 days) matching. Propensity score matching was further performed to balance the baseline characteristics between the two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to create the cumulative incidence curves of thromboembolic events and MACEs, and log-rank tests were used to compare the differences in Kaplan-Meier curves. Competing hazard ratios (HRs) for thromboembolic events and MACEs were estimated using the Fine-Gray method when considering the competing event of death. Statistical analysis was performed using two-tailed tests with a significance level of 0.05. In total, 4635 patients were included in both the anti-VEGF group and comparator group. The risk of thromboembolic events and MACEs did not differ significantly between the two groups. After propensity score matching, the adjusted HR for MACEs or thromboembolic events was 1.040, which for MACEs was 0.989, and that for thromboembolic events was 1.028. The competing HR for MACEs or thromboembolic events was 0.921, which for MACEs, was 0.862, and that for thromboembolic events was 0.908. In conclusion, patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received anti-VEGF therapy did not exhibit significantly higher risks of thromboembolic events and MACEs than those without anti-VEGF therapy. Our study provides real-world evidence regarding the safety of anti-VEGF therapy in Asian patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Ischemic stroke in a patient with EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer after treatment with ramucirumab

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors have been widely investigated in the last 10 years, with particular attention paid to their adverse effects because of their efficacy in improving cancer patient survival. Previous research primarily focused on the monoclonal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody bevacizumab and its adverse outcomes. Reports show a higher risk of ischemic stroke, one of the most concerning clinically relevant events, after treatment with bevacizumab. However, few studies have examined the relationship between anti-VEGF receptor 2 monoclonal antibody ramucirumab and its adverse events. This article presents the case of a non-small-cell lung cancer patient who experienced a new ischemic stroke after treatment with ramucirumab. The findings suggest that further studies may be necessary to investigate the relationship between ramucirumab and the risk of ischemic stroke.

Cardiovascular and Mortality Risk with Intravitreal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the cardiovascular (CV) safety associated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections (IAVIs) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study using Medicare and 2 commercial insurance claims databases in the United States from January 2009 to December 2017.

SUBJECTS

Patients with DR aged ≥ 18 years in whom treatment with either IVAIs or laser procedure or intravitreal steroid injections was initiated.

METHODS

We estimated the propensity score (PS) using multivariable logistic regression models, including 85 baseline covariates and PS-matched patients in a 1:1 ratio. We estimated the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses based on prior history of CV events were also conducted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A composite CV outcome of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, its individual components, and all-cause mortality in 180 and 365 days after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

We identified 61 508 PS-matched patients in a 1:1 ratio in whom either IVAIs or laser or steroid treatment was initiated. Compared with laser or steroid treatment, IAVIs were not associated with an increased risk of the composite CV outcome (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83-1.09), MI (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76-1.13), or stroke (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.80-1.19) or the risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.97-1.62) at 180 days of follow-up. At 365 days, the risk of the composite CV outcome, stroke, and MI remained similar between the 2 groups, although the risk of all-cause mortality was increased with IAVIs (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.14-1.60). The subgroup analysis showed that the risk of all-cause mortality was increased in patients with a prior history of CV events.

CONCLUSIONS

Among > 60 000 patients with DR, those who received IAVIs had a risk of CV events similar to those who received laser or steroid treatment. However, the risk of all-cause mortality was higher in patients who received IAVIs for DR.

Cardiovascular Disease in Adult Cancer Survivors: a Review of Current Evidence, Strategies for Prevention and Management, and Future Directions for Cardio-oncology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease is long-term complication of both cancer and anti-cancer treatment and can have significant ramifications for health-related quality of life and mortality. This narrative review explores the current evidence linking cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as exploring strategies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, and outlines future opportunities in the field of cardio-oncology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cancer confers risk for various cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and valvular heart disease. Cancer treatment, in particular agents such as platinum-based chemotherapy, anthracyclines, hormonal treatments, and thoracic radiotherapy, further increases risk. While cardiovascular disease can be identified early and effectively managed in cancer survivors, cardiovascular screening and management does not typically feature in routine long-term cancer care of adult cancer survivors. Cancer and cancer treatment can accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease. Further research into screening and management strategies for cardiovascular disease, along with evidence-based guidelines, is required to ensure adult cancer survivors receive appropriate long-term care.

Cardiovascular toxicity associated with angiogenesis inhibitors: A comprehensive pharmacovigilance analysis based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database from 2014 to 2021

Background

The profiles of cardiovascular toxicity associated with angiogenesis inhibitors, including intravenous monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) remain poorly elucidated in real-world settings. This pharmacovigilance analysis aimed to comprehensively investigate the frequency, spectrum, timing, and outcomes of cardiovascular toxicities associated with angiogenesis inhibitors and to explore the differences in such patterns between mAbs and TKIs.

Methods

Disproportionality analysis was performed by leveraging reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from 2014 to 2021. Cardiovascular adverse events (AEs) were grouped into nine narrow categories using the Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries (SMQs). Reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information components (ICs) were calculated with statistical shrinkage transformation formulas and a lower limit of 95% confidence interval (CI) for ROR (ROR₀₂₅) > 1 or IC (IC₀₂₅) > 0, with at least three reports being considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 757,577 reports of angiogenesis inhibitors and 70,668 (9.3%) reports of cardiovascular AEs were extracted. Significant disproportionality was detected in angiogenesis inhibitors for cardiovascular AEs (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.35/1.27). Bevacizumab (31.8%), a mAb, presented the largest number of reports, followed by sunitinib (12.4%), a TKI. Hypertension (SMQ) was detected with the strongest signal value (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 1.73/3.33), followed by embolic and thrombotic events (SMQ) (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.32/1.26). Hypertension showed the shortest time to onset with a median (interquartile range) value of 23 (8, 69) days, while embolic and thrombotic events had the longest value of 51 (16, 153) days. Notably, hypertension presented the lowest proportions of death and life-threatening events (10.9%), whereas embolic and thrombotic events posed the highest (29.3%). Furthermore, both mAbs (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.47/1.39) and TKIs (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.30/1.23) showed increased cardiovascular AEs. Hypertension was detected in both agents (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 1.53/2.90 for mAbs and IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 1.83/3.56 for TKIs) with a shorter time to onset of 17 (6, 48) days for TKIs than mAbs of 42 (14, 131) days. By contrast, embolic and thrombotic events were detected for mAbs (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = 0.90/1.87) without TKI (IC₀₂₅/ROR₀₂₅ = −0.08/0.95).

Conclusion

Angiogenesis inhibitors were associated with increased cardiovascular toxicity with a discrepancy between intravenous mAbs and oral TKIs, deserving distinct monitoring and appropriate management.

Update on cancer therapy-induced atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent advances in oncologic therapies have significantly improved overall survival for patients with malignancy. However, cardiovascular complications have not only increased in this population due to shared risk factors and pathophysiology, but also due to the therapies themselves. One key mechanism that warrants further attention is accelerated atherosclerosis due to these agents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Here we review recent studies focusing on four classes of anticancer agents with the potential to accelerate atherosclerosis, including breakpoint cluster region-Ableson (BCR-ABL) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immunotherapies, androgen deprivation therapies, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. In addition to drug therapy, radiation therapy may also accelerate atherosclerosis.

SUMMARY

In order to optimize outcomes for patients with malignancy, enhanced efforts need to focus on mitigating common risk factors, but also recognizing enhanced atherosclerotic risk with certain oncologic therapies. For patients exposed to these agents, risk reduction with agents such as aspirin and/or statins prior to, during, and after cancer treatment may provide opportunities to improve overall outcomes.

Cardiovascular Imaging in Cardio-Oncology: The Role of Echocardiography and Cardiac MRI in Modern Cardio-Oncology

Cardiovascular (CV) events are an increasingly common limitation of effective anticancer therapy. Over the last decade imaging has become essential to patients receiving contemporary cancer therapy. Herein we discuss the current state of CV imaging in cardio-oncology. We also provide a practical apparatus for the use of imaging in everyday cardiovascular care of oncology patients to improve outcomes for those at risk for cardiotoxicity, or with established cardiovascular disease. Finally, we consider future directions in the field given the wave of new anticancer therapies.

Efficacy and safety of anlotinib as a third‑line treatment of advanced non‑small cell lung cancer: A meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

Anlotinib is a novel multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has been indicated to inhibit both tumor angiogenesis and signal transduction pathways associated with proliferation. The main proposed mechanism of anlotinib inhibiting tumor angiogenesis is that anlotinib inhibits the activation of VEGFR2, PDGFRβ and FGFR1, and downstream ERK signal transduction. The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of third-line treatment with anlotinib for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To meet this aim, studies published up to February 2022 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and several Chinese databases. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and a metaanalysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 18 RCTs were identified and included in the present study, comprising 1,658 patients. The anlotinib treatment group was indicated to be better than the control group at prolonging progression-free survival [hazard ratio (HR), 0.33; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.28-0.37] and overall survival (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60-0.81). Anlotinib also provided a significant improvement in the disease control rate [risk ratio (RR), 1.51; 95% CI, 1.27-1.79], objective response rate (1.75, 95% CI, 1.51-2.03) and Karnofsky performance status (mean difference, 9.85; 95% CI, 6.26-13.43). Compared with the control group, the incidence of adverse events (AEs), such as hypertension and hemoptysis, was increased by anlotinib. Through subgroup analysis, it was determined that, compared with the placebo, the incidence of AEs was increased by anlotinib, although compared with other therapeutic drugs, no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that the thirdline treatment of advanced NSCLC with anlotinib is more effective compared with other control measures and that the AEs are also controllable. However, given the limitations of the quantity and the quality of the included studies, further studies are required to gain a more complete understanding of the effects of anlotinib.

Do antiangiogenics promote clot instability? Data from the TESEO prospective registry and Caravaggio clinical trial

Background  Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication in cancer patients. Much of its morbidity stems from the development of fatal pulmonary embolisms (PE). Little is known about the factors involved in clot stability, with angiogenesis possibly being implicated.

Methods  The database is from the TESEO prospective registry that recruits cancer patients with VTE from 41 Spanish hospitals. Independent validation was conducted in a cohort from the Caravaggio trial. The objective is to evaluate the association between exposure to antiangiogenic therapies and the PE/VTE proportion in oncological patients.

Results  In total, 1,536 subjects were evaluated; 58.4% ( n  = 894) had a PE and 7% ( n  = 108) received antiangiogenic therapy (bevacizumab in 75%). The PE/VTE proportion among antiangiogenic-treated individuals was 77/108 (71.3%) versus 817/1,428 (57.2%) among those receiving other alternative therapies ( p  = 0.004). The effect of the antiangiogenics on the PE/VTE proportion held up across all subgroups except for active smokers or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exposure to antiangiogenics was associated with increased PEs, odds ratio (OR) 2.27 (95% CI, 1.42–3.63). In the Caravaggio trial, PE was present in 67% of the individuals treated with antiangiogenics, 50% of those who received chemotherapy without antiangiogenic treatment, and 60% without active therapy ( p  = 0.0016).

Conclusion  Antiangiogenics are associated with increased proportion of PE in oncological patients with VTE. If an effect on clot stability is confirmed, the concept of thrombotic risk in cancer patients should be reconsidered in qualitative terms.

VEGF Receptor Inhibitor-Induced Hypertension: Emerging Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (VEGFRis) have dramatically improved cancer survival, these drugs cause hypertension in a majority of patients. This side effect is often dose limiting and increases cardiovascular mortality in cancer survivors. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and clinical findings that impact management of VEGFRi-induced hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies define new connections between endothelial dysfunction and VEGFRi-induced hypertension, including the balance between nitric oxide, oxidative stress, endothelin signaling, and prostaglandins and the potential role of microparticles, vascular smooth muscle cells, vascular stiffness, and microvessel rarefaction. Data implicating genetic polymorphisms that might identify patients at risk for VEGFRi-induced hypertension and the growing body of literature associating VEGFRi-induced hypertension with antitumor efficacy are reviewed. These recent advances have implications for the future of cardio-oncology clinics and the management of VEGFRi-induced hypertension.

Differentiating pulmonary hypertension associated with protein kinase inhibitors

Protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) have been implicated in pulmonary vascular toxicities including risk factors for at least three of the five World Health Organization groups of pulmonary hypertension (PH). These toxicities include direct drug-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension, an increase in cardiomyopathies, and an increase in interstitial lung disease. On- and off-target toxicities are common within multitargeted PKIs leading to cardiopulmonary toxicities. This review highlights the incidence, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for each group of possible PKI-induced PH. Future identification and clarification of protein kinase pathways for both mechanisms of toxicity and pathophysiology for PH could lead to improvements in patient care in oncology and pulmonary vascular diseases.

In Vivo Murine Models of Cardiotoxicity Due to Anticancer Drugs: Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Translation

Modern therapeutic approaches have led to an improvement in the chances of surviving a diagnosis of cancer. However, this may come with side effects, with patients experiencing adverse cardiovascular events or exacerbation of underlying cardiovascular disease related to their cancer treatment. Rodent models of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity are useful to define pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac damage and to identify potential therapeutic targets. The key mechanisms involved in cardiotoxicity induced by specific different antineoplastic agents are summarized in this state-of-the-art review, as well as the rodent models of cardiotoxicity by different classes of anticancer drugs, along with the strategies tested for primary and secondary cardioprotection. Current approaches for early detection of cardiotoxicity in preclinical studies with a focus on the application of advanced imaging modalities and biomarker strategies are also discussed. Potential applications of cardiotoxicity modelling in rodents are illustrated in relation to the advancements of promising research topics of cardiotoxicity. Created with BioRender.com.