Effect of statin therapy on the risk for incident heart failure in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracycline chemotherapy: an observational clinical cohort study

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: An overview from cellular structural perspective

Anthracyclines are broad-spectrum anticancer drugs, but their clinical use is limited due to their severe cardiotoxicity. Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) remains a significant cause of heart disease-related mortality in many cancer survivors. The underlying mechanisms of AIC have been explored over the past few decades. Reactive oxygen species and drug-induced inhibition of topoisomerase II beta are well-studied mechanisms, with mitochondria being a prominently investigated organelle. Emerging mechanisms such as ferroptosis, Ca2+ overload, autophagy and inflammation mediators have been implicated in recent years. In this review, our goal is to summarize and update the roles of various mechanisms in AIC, focusing on different cellular levels and further explore promising therapeutic approaches targeting these organelles or pathways.

Statins for the Primary Prevention of Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity: A Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is two-fold: (1) To examine the mechanisms by which statins may protect from anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and (2) To provide a comprehensive overview of the existing clinical literature investigating the role of statins for the primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

RECENT FINDINGS

The underlying cardioprotective mechanisms associated with statins have not been fully elucidated. Key mechanisms related to the inhibition of Ras homologous (Rho) GTPases have been proposed. Data from observational studies has supported the beneficial role of statins for the primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Recently, several randomized controlled trials investigating the role of statins for the primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity have produced contrasting results. Statins have been associated with a lower risk of cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients receiving anthracyclines. Further investigation with larger randomized control trials and longer follow-up periods are needed to better evaluate the long-term role of statin therapy and identify the subgroups who benefit most from statin therapy.

Prevention of Anthracyclines and HER2 Inhibitor-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis and systematic review aim to consolidate evidence on cardiotoxicity prevention and treatment strategies in patients receiving anthracyclines or HER2 receptor inhibitors, vital treatments for breast cancer and hematologic malignancies. By synthesizing existing research, the goal is to provide impactful insights that enhance patient care and outcomes.

METHODS

Comprehensive research across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials was conducted, selecting clinical trials focusing on cardioprotection in anthracyclines or HER2 inhibitor-treated individuals. Effect sizes were computed using OpenMeta (Analyst), with leave-out meta-analysis to assess potential small study effects. Meta-regression explored treatment duration and sample size effects. Evidence quality for primary outcomes was evaluated using ROB, Robins 2, and Newcastle-Ottawa tools.

RESULTS

Twenty -three studies involving a total of 14,652 patients (13,221 adults and 1431 kids) were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies suggested good and moderate quality. Patients prescribed β-blockers demonstrated a 74% lower likelihood of exhibiting cardiotoxicity symptoms (OR 1.736). Similarly, the use of dexrazoxane was linked to a threefold decrease in cardiac abnormalities risk (OR 2.989), and ACE inhibitor administration showed half the risk compared with the control group (OR 1.956).

CONCLUSIONS

Through this systematic review and meta-analysis, it was shown that there is a reduction in cardiotoxicity from either anthracyclines or HER2 inhibitors in patients receiving pharmacoprophylaxis.

Statin use is associated with a lower risk of all-cause death in patients with breast cancer treated with anthracycline containing regimens: a global federated health database analysis

Anthracyclines are associated with enhanced oxidative stress responsible for adverse events in patients with breast cancer. However, no study has investigated the potential anti-inflammatory role of statins in counteracting anthracycline toxicity. In this retrospective study utilizing a federated health network (TriNetX), patients with breast cancer (ICD code C50) treated with anthracyclines were categorized into two groups: statin users (for at least 6 months); and statin non-users. The primary outcome was the 5-year risk of all-cause death. Secondary outcomes were the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and pulmonary embolism. Cox-regression analyses were used to produce hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) following 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). We identified 3,701 statin users (68.8 ± 10.4 years) and 37,185 statin non-users (59.6 ± 12.8 years). After PSM, the 5-year risk of all-cause death was significantly lower in statin users (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74-0.91) compared to statins non-users. Analyzing the risk for secondary outcomes, only the risk of stroke was significantly increased in statin users (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.61), while no associations were found for the other cardiovascular events. The risk of all-cause death in statin users was the lowest during the first year after the anthracycline's initiation. No significant difference was found between lipophilic and hydrophilic statins. In patients with breast cancer treated with anthracyclines, statin use is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause death. Prospective studies are needed to investigate the potential beneficial effect of statin initiation in cancer patients without other indications.

Breast Cancer and Therapy-Related Cardiovascular Toxicity

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

Prevention and treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: A bibliometric analysis of the years 2000-2023

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the global research trend in the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity caused by anthracyclines from 2000 to 2023, and to explore international cooperation, research hotspots, and frontier trends.

Methods

The articles on the prevention and treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity published from 2000 to 2023 were searched by Web of Science. The bibliometrics software CiteSpace was used for visual analysis of countries, institutions, journals, authors, cited authors, cited references, and keywords.

Results

This study analyzed the current status of global research on the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity caused by anthracyclines. A total of 3,669 papers were searched and 851 studies were included. The number of publications increased gradually throughout the years. Cardiovascular Toxicology (15) is the journal with the most publications. Circulation (547) ranked first among cited journals. In this field, the country with the most publications is the United States (229), and the institution with the most publications is Charles Univ Prague (18). In the analysis of the authors, Tomas S (10) ranked first. Cardinale D (262) ranked first among cited authors. In the ranking of cited literature frequency, the article ranked first is "Early detection of anthracycline cardiotoxicity and improvement with heart failure therapy" (121). The keywords "heart failure" (215) and "oxidative stress" (212) were the most frequent. "Enalapril", "inflammation", "cell death", "NF-κB" and "Nrf2" were the advanced research contents in 2019-2023.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable information for cardio-oncology researchers to identify potential collaborators and institutions, discover hot topics, and explore new research directions. The prevention and treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity focuses on early detection and timely treatment. The results of the current clinical studies on the treatment of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity are contradictory, and more studies are needed to provide more reliable clinical evidence in the future.

Association between Statin Use and Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiac dysfunction (CIC) is a significant and concerning complication observed among cancer patients. Despite the demonstrated cardioprotective benefits of statins in various cardiovascular diseases, their effectiveness in mitigating CIC remains uncertain. Objective: This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential cardioprotective role of statins in patients with CIC. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant articles published from inception until 10th May 2023. The outcomes were assessed using pooled odds ratio (OR) for categorical data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: This meta-analysis comprised nine studies involving a total of 5532 patients, with 1904 in the statin group and 3628 in the non-statin group. The pooled analysis of primary outcome shows that patients who did not receive statin suffer a greater decline in the LVEF after chemotherapy compared to those who receive statin (MD, 3.55 (95% CI: 1.04-6.05), p = 0.01). Likewise, we observed a significantly higher final mean LVEF among chemotherapy patients with statin compared to the non-statin group of patients (MD, 2.08 (95% CI: 0.86-3.30), p > 0.001). Additionally, there was a lower risk of incident heart failure in the statin group compared to the non-statin group of patients (OR, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.27-0.62), p < 0.001). Lastly, the change in the mean difference for LVEDV was not statistically significant between the statin and non-statin groups (MD, 1.55 (95% CI: -5.22-8.33), p = 0.65). Conclusion: Among patients of CIC, statin use has shown cardioprotective benefits by improving left ventricular function and reducing the risk of heart failure.

Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology practical recommendations for surveillance and prevention of cardiac disease in childhood cancer survivors: the importance of physical activity and lifestyle changes From the Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology Working Group Sports Cardiology, Physical Activity and Prevention, Working Group Adult Congenital Heart Disease, Working Group Imaging and Working Group Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, presenting as the main causes of morbidity and mortality within this group. Besides the usual primary and secondary prevention in combination with screening during follow-up, the modifiable lifestyle factors of physical activity, nutrition, and body weight have not yet gained enough attention regarding potential cardiovascular risk reduction.

OBJECTIVE

These practical recommendations aim to provide summarised information and practical implications to paediatricians and health professionals treating childhood cancer survivors to reduce the risk of cardiovascular late effects.

METHODS

The content derives from either published guidelines or expert opinions from Association of European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology working groups and is in accordance with current state-of-the-art.

RESULTS

All usual methods of prevention and screening regarding the risk, monitoring, and treatment of occurring cardiovascular diseases are summarised. Additionally, modifiable lifestyle factors are explained, and clear practical implications are named.

CONCLUSION

Modifiable lifestyle factors should definitely be considered as a cost-effective and complementary approach to already implemented follow-up care programs in cardio-oncology, which can be actively addressed by the survivors themselves. However, treating physicians are strongly encouraged to support survivors to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity as one of the major influencing factors. This article summarises relevant background information and provides specific practical recommendations on how to advise survivors to increase their level of physical activity.

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and risk factors

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. Although useful in the treatment of cancers, the benefit of DOX is limited due to its cardiotoxic effect that is observed in a large number of patients. In the literature, there is evidence that the presence of various factors may increase the risk of developing DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. A better understanding of the role of these different factors in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity may facilitate the choice of the therapeutic approach in cancer patients suffering from various cardiovascular risk factors. In this review, we therefore discuss the latest findings in both preclinical and clinical research suggesting a link between DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and various risk factors including sex, age, ethnicity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and co-medications.

Role of Statin Therapy in Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Three Dimentional Echocardiography Study

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in the treatment of breast cancer have resulted in improved overall cancer survival; however, cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction is considered a major adverse effect of several chemotherapeutic agents, particularly anthracyclines. Hence, there is a need to develop proper cardioprotective strategies to limit myocardial injury following chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of statin therapy on prevention of anthracycline- induced cardiotoxicity in female patients with breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The current study is a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which we enrolled a total of 110 female patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who received anthracycline based chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio into two groups, study group in which patients received 40 mg of oral atorvastatin and control group in which patients received placebo. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed to all patients prior to receiving the chemotherapy and after 6 months, assessment of LV ejection fraction was done by 3D-echocardiography. All echocardiographers were blinded to all the patients' characteristics and assignment to either group.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients assigned to the control group was 49.8±10.51 years old, while patients assigned to the intervention group had mean age of 47.84± 9.16 years old, both the control group and the intervention group were similar in demographic data and baseline clinical characteristics. There was a highly significant difference between the two groups regarding both the absolute LVEF assessed by 3D- echocardiography at 6 months and the percentage of change compared to baseline values, patients assigned to the control group had mean LVEF of 52.92% at 6 months with percentage of change reaching -7.06%, while those assigned to the intervention group had mean LVEF reaching 56.22% at 6 months with a percentage of change reaching -3.64% (P-value: 0.008 and 0.004 for the absolute value and percentage of change respectively). There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding incidence of development of cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD); defined as drop in LVEF more than 10% and to a value below 53% assessed by 3D echocardiography, among the control group 15 patients (30%) developed CTRCD after 6 months from starting Anthracyclines based chemotherapy, while, among the intervention group only 6 patients (12%) developed CTRCD. (P-value= 0.027) CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of atorvastatin may prevent the development of cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline based chemotherapy.

Post-diagnostic statin use and its association with cancer recurrence and mortality in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Statins are widely acknowledged for their application in patients with hypercholesterolemia to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. More recently, their potential to exert pleiotropic effects, particularly in impeding the proliferation of neoplastic cells, has attracted considerable attention. Prior studies have demonstrated that statins may mitigate cancer progression and micrometastasis. However, the benefits of statins in breast cancer have been inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of statin use following a breast cancer diagnosis on breast cancer recurrence and mortality.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant articles from inception until 30th May 2023. Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using a random-effect model. The primary outcome of interest was the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The secondary outcomes included breast cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies with 156 448 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of patients between statin users and non-users was 64.59 and 59.15 years, respectively. Statin use was associated with a reduction in the recurrence of breast cancer [HR 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67-0.87] compared with non-statin users. This trend was similar among lipophilic statin users (HR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.63-0.85) but not for hydrophilic statin users (HR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.82-1.68). Furthermore, statin users exhibited a lower risk of breast cancer mortality (HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.96) but all-cause mortality (HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.66-1.02) was comparable among both groups of patients. Conversely, lipophilic statins demonstrated a reduction in both all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.93) and breast cancer mortality (HR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.99) compared to non-statin users.

CONCLUSION

Among patients with breast cancer, statin use post-diagnosis decreases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and breast cancer mortality. Furthermore, lipophilic statins exhibit an additional advantage of reduction in all-cause mortality.PROSPERO registration: CRD42022362011.

Racial disparities in treatment-related cardiovascular toxicities amongst women with breast cancer: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Black women often experience poorer breast cancer-related outcomes and higher mortality than white women. A contributor to this disparity may relate to the disproportionate burden of cancer treatment-related cardiovascular (CV) toxicities. The objective of this review is to identify studies that report racial differences in CV toxicity risk.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched for studies that assessed CV toxicities as the outcome(s) and included Black and White women with breast cancer. Studies were selected based on inclusion/exclusion criteria and through the use of multiple reviewers.

RESULTS

The review included 13 studies following a review of 409 citations and 49 full-text articles. All studies were retrospective and 8/13 utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database. Trastuzumab was the most frequently studied treatment. The proportion of Black women in these studies ranged from 5.5 to 63%. A majority of studies reported a higher risk of CV toxicity amongst Black women when compared to white women (93%). Black women had up to a two times higher risk of CV toxicity (HR, 2.73 (CI, 1.24 to 6.01)) compared to white women. Only one study evaluated the role of socioeconomic factors in explaining racial differences in CV toxicity; however, the disparity remained even after adjusting for these factors.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a critical need for more longitudinal studies that evaluate multilevel factors (e.g., psychosocial, biological) that may help to explain this disparity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Black cancer survivors may require additional surveillance and mitigation strategies to decrease disproportionate burden of CV toxicities.

Is dyslipidemia a risk factor for trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients? A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer patients undergoing trastuzumab therapy have greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for this effect have been proposed. However, the role of dyslipidemia is not completely understood. This systematic review aimed to explore the role of dyslipidemia in trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

The investigators searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science up to October 25, 2020. A random-effects model was used to determine pooled estimates of the results. The primary endpoint was trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with and without dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

A total of 39 studies were selected for inclusion in our systematic review assessing 21079 patients. One study demonstrated a statistically significant association between dyslipidemia and cardiotoxicity (OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.22-4.26, p=0.01). In all other studies, no such association was observed. Twenty-one studies including 6135 patients were eligible for meta-analysis. In this meta-analysis of unadjusted data, dyslipidemia was significantly associated with cardiotoxicity (OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.53, p=0.04, I2=0%), however, a subgroup analysis of studies reporting adjusted measures did not demonstrate a significant association (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.73-1.10, p=0.28, I2=0%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis did not demonstrate a significant association between dyslipidemia alone and the development of cardiotoxicity. In the absence of other relevant cardiovascular risk factors, review of lipid profile may not be obligatory, and management of patients could be performed without referral for cardio-oncology assessment. Further investigation of risk factors for trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity is required to confirm these results.

Effect of statins and testosterone replacement therapy on incident cardiovascular disease among male hormone-related cancer survivors

Purpose

Statins and testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) have been previously linked with prostate, colorectal and male breast cancer (hereinafter we will refer as hormone related cancers [HRCa]), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a poor understanding about the combined association of statins and TTh with incident CVD among HRCa survivors and a matched cancer-free cohort.

Methods

We identified 44,330 men of whom 22,165 were previously diagnosed with HRCa, and 22,165 were age-and index-matched cancer-free in SEER-Medicare 2007-2015. Pre-diagnostic prescription of statins and TTh prior to CVD development was ascertained for this analysis in the two matched cohorts. Weighted multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the independent and combined associations of statins and TTh with CVD.

Results

We found that use of statins (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.46-0.55) and TTh (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67-0.97) were each independently inversely associated with incident CVD in the overall sample. TTh plus statins was also inversely associated with CVD. Associations were similar in the matched cancer-free cohort. Among HRCa survivors, only statins and combination of TTh plus statins (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.98) were inversely associated with CVD, but the independent use of TTh was not associated with CVD.

Conclusion

In general, pre-diagnostic use of statins and TTh, prior to CVD development, independently or in combination, were inversely associated with CVD in the overall, cancer-free population, and among HRCa survivors (mainly combination). Independent effects and combination of statins and TTh remained to be confirmed with specific CVD outcomes among HRCa survivors.

The Essential Strategies to Mitigate Cardiotoxicity Caused by Doxorubicin

The study of mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin and the development of strategies to mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity are the most relevant issues of modern cardio-oncology. This is due to the high prevalence of cancer in the population and the need for frequent use of highly effective chemotherapeutic agents, in particular anthracyclines, for optimal management of cancer patients. However, while being a potent agent to counteract cancer, doxorubicin also affects the cardiovascular systems of patients undergoing chemotherapy in a significant and unfavorable fashion. Consecutively reviewed in this article are risk factors and mechanisms of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity, and the essential strategies to mitigate cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin treatment in cancer patients are discussed.

Statins for Attenuating Cardiotoxicity in Patients Receiving Anthracyclines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Anthracycline chemotherapy causes cardiotoxicity, and the evidence regarding the benefit of concomitant statin use in reducing it remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies using statins and anthracyclines by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until April 10, 2023. Our analysis included 3 observational studies and 4 RCTs, including the STOP-CA trial released in ACC23. Statin prescription significantly reduced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy (OR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.63; I2: 0%). However, no significant difference was observed in the decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline (MD 4.15, 95% CI: -0.69 to 8.99, I2: 97%). These findings demonstrate the protective effect of concomitant statin prescription.

Statins to prevent early cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients at increased cardiotoxicity risk receiving anthracyclines

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anthracyclines can cause cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). We aimed to assess whether statins prevent decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in anthracycline-treated patients at increased risk for CTRCD.

METHODS

In this multicenter double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, patients with cancer at increased risk of anthracycline-related CTRCD (per ASCO guidelines) were randomly assigned to atorvastatin 40 mg or placebo once-daily. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed before and within 4 weeks after anthracyclines. Blood biomarkers were measured at every cycle. The primary outcome was post-anthracycline LVEF, adjusted for baseline. CTRCD was defined as a fall in LVEF by >10% to <53%. Secondary endpoints included left ventricular (LV) volumes, CTRCD, CMR tissue characterization, high sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).

RESULTS

We randomized 112 patients (56.9 ± 13.6 years, 87 female, and 73 with breast cancer): 54 to atorvastatin and 58 to placebo. Post-anthracycline CMR was performed 22 (13-27) days from last anthracycline dose. Post-anthracycline LVEF did not differ between the atorvastatin and placebo groups (57.3 ± 5.8% and 55.9 ± 7.4%, respectively) when adjusted for baseline LVEF (P = 0.34). There were no significant between-group differences in post-anthracycline LV end-diastolic (P = 0.20) or end-systolic volume (P = 0.12), CMR myocardial edema and/or fibrosis (P = 0.06-0.47), or peak hsTnI (P ≥ 0.99) and BNP (P = 0.23). CTRCD incidence was similar (4% versus 4%, P ≥ 0.99). There was no difference in adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients at increased risk of CTRCD, primary prevention with atorvastatin during anthracycline therapy did not ameliorate early LVEF decline, LV remodeling, CTRCD, change in serum cardiac biomarkers, or CMR myocardial tissue changes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03186404.

Prognostic value of coronary atherosclerosis and CAC score for the risk of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD): The protocol of ANTEC study

BACKGROUND

Cardiological complications of oncological treatment, including the most serious one, heart failure, constitute a significant and still unsolved clinical problem. A history of dyslipidemia and complications of atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease, are established risk factors for cardiotoxicity in cancer patients. In recent years, a protective effect of statin treatment on the development of heart failure in cancer patients has been observed. This protocol describes a study aiming to assess the prognostic value of coronary atherosclerosis burden and the CAC score on the onset of cardiac dysfunction associated with cancer therapy.

METHODS

ANTEC (Atherosclerosis iN chemoTherapy-rElated Cardiotoxicity) is a single-site, prospective, observational study to evaluate the influence of the coronary atherosclerosis and CAC score assessed by computed tomography on the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in cancer patients with at least moderate cardiotoxicity risk. A group of 80 patients diagnosed with cancer prior to high-dose anthracycline chemotherapy (doxorubicin ≥ 240 mg / m2 body weight or epirubicin ≥ 600 mg / m2 body weight), without a history of heart failure and coronary artery disease, will be included in the study. Patient follow-up is planned for 12 months. In all patients, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) will be performed once at the beginning of the study. The primary endpoint is the onset of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity, defined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe according to ESC 2022 Cardio-oncology guidelines. During follow up, echocardiography with GLS assessment will be performed every three months. Additionally, new biomarkers of atherosclerosis (IL-6, MPO, TNF-alpha) will be measured every 6 months. The study registration identifier on clinicaltrials.gov is NCT05118178.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY

This study is listed on cinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT05118178.

Atorvastatin for Anthracycline-Associated Cardiac Dysfunction: The STOP-CA Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Anthracyclines treat a broad range of cancers. Basic and retrospective clinical data have suggested that use of atorvastatin may be associated with a reduction in cardiac dysfunction due to anthracycline use.

Objective

To test whether atorvastatin is associated with a reduction in the proportion of patients with lymphoma receiving anthracyclines who develop cardiac dysfunction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted at 9 academic medical centers in the US and Canada among 300 patients with lymphoma who were scheduled to receive anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Enrollment occurred between January 25, 2017, and September 10, 2021, with final follow-up on October 10, 2022.

Interventions

Participants were randomized to receive atorvastatin, 40 mg/d (n = 150), or placebo (n = 150) for 12 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with an absolute decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≥10% from prior to chemotherapy to a final value of <55% over 12 months. A secondary outcome was the proportion of participants with an absolute decline in LVEF of ≥5% from prior to chemotherapy to a final value of <55% over 12 months.

Results

Of the 300 participants randomized (mean age, 50 [SD, 17] years; 142 women [47%]), 286 (95%) completed the trial. Among the entire cohort, the baseline mean LVEF was 63% (SD, 4.6%) and the follow-up LVEF was 58% (SD, 5.7%). Study drug adherence was noted in 91% of participants. At 12-month follow-up, 46 (15%) had a decline in LVEF of 10% or greater from prior to chemotherapy to a final value of less than 55%. The incidence of the primary end point was 9% (13/150) in the atorvastatin group and 22% (33/150) in the placebo group (P = .002). The odds of a 10% or greater decline in LVEF to a final value of less than 55% after anthracycline treatment was almost 3 times greater for participants randomized to placebo compared with those randomized to atorvastatin (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4-6.4). Compared with placebo, atorvastatin also reduced the incidence of the secondary end point (13% vs 29%; P = .001). There were 13 adjudicated heart failure events (4%) over 24 months of follow-up. There was no difference in the rates of incident heart failure between study groups (3% with atorvastatin, 6% with placebo; P = .26). The number of serious related adverse events was low and similar between groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients with lymphoma treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy, atorvastatin reduced the incidence of cardiac dysfunction. This finding may support the use of atorvastatin in patients with lymphoma at high risk of cardiac dysfunction due to anthracycline use.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02943590.

The Association of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Anthracycline-Treated Patients With Cancer

Background

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are hypothesized to reduce the risk of anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity.

Objectives

This study sought to determine the association between SGLT2is and cardiovascular disease (CVD) after anthracycline-containing chemotherapy.

Methods

Using administrative data sets, we conducted a population-based cohort study of people >65 years of age with treated diabetes and no prior heart failure (HF) who received anthracyclines between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. After estimating propensity scores for SGLT2i use, the average treatment effects for the treated weights were used to reduce baseline differences between SGLT2i-exposed and -unexposed controls. The outcomes were hospitalization for HF, incident HF diagnoses (in- or out-of-hospital), and documentation of any CVD in future hospitalizations. Death was treated as a competing risk. Cause-specific HRs for each outcome were determined for SGLT2i-treated people relative to unexposed controls.

Results

We studied 933 patients (median age 71.0 years, 62.2% female), 99 of whom were SGLT2i treated. During a median follow-up of 1.6 years, there were 31 hospitalizations for HF (0 in the SGLT2i group), 93 new HF diagnoses, and 74 hospitalizations with documented CVD. Relative to controls, SGLT2i exposure was associated with HR of 0 for HF hospitalization (P < 0.001) but no significant difference in incident HF diagnosis (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.23-1.31; P = 0.18) or CVD diagnosis (HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.12-1.28; P = 0.12). There was no significant difference in mortality (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.36-1.11; P = 0.11).

Conclusions

SGLT2is may reduce the rate of HF hospitalization after anthracycline-containing chemotherapy. This hypothesis warrants further testing in randomized controlled trials.

Nanotechnology Approaches for Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Neurotoxicity, Neuropathy, and Cardiomyopathy in Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents while improving their efficacy and safety. As a result, nanomaterial development for the selective targeting of cancers, with the possibility of treating off-target, detrimental sequelae caused by chemotherapy, is an important area of research. Breast and ovarian cancer are among the most common cancer types in women, and chemotherapy is an essential treatment modality for these diseases. However, chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy are common side effects that can affect breast and ovarian cancer survivors quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for these adverse effects. Nanoparticles (NPs) have extreme potential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy but require continued research to elucidate beneficial interventions for women cancer survivors. In short, nanotechnology-based approaches have emerged as promising strategies for preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. NP-based drug delivery systems and therapeutics have shown potential for reducing the side effects of chemotherapeutics while improving drug efficacy. In this article, the latest nanotechnology approaches and their potential for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy in breast and ovarian cancer survivors are discussed.

Chemotherapeutic and targeted drugs-induced immunogenic cell death in cancer models and antitumor therapy: An update review

As traditional strategies for cancer treatment, some chemotherapy agents, such as doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and paclitaxel exert their anti-tumor effects by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. ICD induces anti-tumor immunity through release of, or exposure to, damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs), including high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), calreticulin, adenosine triphosphate, and heat shock proteins. This leads to activation of tumor-specific immune responses, which can act in combination with the direct killing functions of chemotherapy drugs on cancer cells to further improve their curative effects. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying ICD, including those of several chemotherapeutic drugs in inducing DAMPs exposed during ICD to activate the immune system, as well as discussing the prospects for application and potential role of ICD in cancer immunotherapy, with the aim of providing valuable inspiration for future development of chemoimmunotherapy.

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.

Integrated multi-omics analysis of adverse cardiac remodeling and metabolic inflexibility upon ErbB2 and ERRα deficiency

Functional oncogenic links between ErbB2 and ERRα in HER2+ breast cancer patients support a therapeutic benefit of co-targeted therapies. However, ErbB2 and ERRα also play key roles in heart physiology, and this approach could pose a potential liability to cardiovascular health. Herein, using integrated phosphoproteomic, transcriptomic and metabolic profiling, we uncovered molecular mechanisms associated with the adverse remodeling of cardiac functions in mice with combined attenuation of ErbB2 and ERRα activity. Genetic disruption of both effectors results in profound effects on cardiomyocyte architecture, inflammatory response and metabolism, the latter leading to a decrease in fatty acyl-carnitine species further increasing the reliance on glucose as a metabolic fuel, a hallmark of failing hearts. Furthermore, integrated omics signatures of ERRα loss-of-function and doxorubicin treatment exhibit common features of chemotherapeutic cardiotoxicity. These findings thus reveal potential cardiovascular risks in discrete combination therapies in the treatment of breast and other cancers.

Murine hearts deficient in ErbB2 and/or ERRα are used to profile the adverse cardiac remodeling associated with potential targeted breast cancer treatments by phosphoproteomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling.

Cardiovascular Dysautonomia in Patients with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant disease among women, being responsible for a considerable percentage of fatalities and comorbidities every year. Despite advances in early detection and therapy, evidence shows that breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing other chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases.

Autonomic dysfunction is an emerging, but poorly understood topic that has been suggested as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in breast cancer patients. It clinically manifests through persistently elevated heart rates and abnormal heart rate variability, even before any signs of cardiovascular dysfunction appear. Since changes in the left ventricular ejection fraction only manifest when myocardial injury has already occurred, it has been hypothesized that autonomic dysfunction can constitute an early biomarker of cardiovascular impairment in breast cancer patients.

This review focuses on the direct and indirect effects of cancer and its treatment on the autonomic nervous system in breast cancer patients. We highlight the mechanisms potentially involved in cancer and antineoplastic therapy-related autonomic imbalance and review the potential strategies to prevent and/or attenuate autonomic dysfunction.

There are gaps in the current knowledge; more research in this area is needed to identify the relevance of autonomic dysfunction and define beneficial interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease in breast cancer patients.

Statins and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Following Doxorubicin Treatment

BACKGROUND

Statins taken for cardiovascular indications by patients with breast cancer and lymphoma during doxorubicin treatment may attenuate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decline, but the effect of statins on LVEF among patients with no cardiovascular indications is unknown.

METHODS

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-month randomized trial of 40 mg of atorvastatin per day administered to patients with breast cancer and lymphoma receiving doxorubicin was conducted within the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program across 31 sites in the United States. At pretreatment and then 6 and 24 months after initiating doxorubicin, we assessed left ventricular (LV) volumes, strain, mass, and LVEF through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, along with cognitive function and serum markers of inflammation. The primary outcome was the difference in 24-month LVEF between placebo and treatment groups, adjusted for pretreatment LVEF.

RESULTS

A total of 279 participants were enrolled in the trial. Participants had a mean (±SD) age of 49±12 years; 92% were women; and 83% were White. The mean (±SD) LVEF values were 61.7±5.5% before treatment and 57.4±6.8% at 24 months in the placebo group and 62.6±6.4% before treatment and 57.7±5.6% at 24 months in the atorvastatin group. On the basis of a multiple imputed data set for missing data and adjusted for each individual's pretreatment LVEF, 24-month declines in LVEF averaged 3.3±0.6 percentage points and 3.2±0.7 percentage points, for those randomly assigned to placebo versus statins, respectively (P=0.93). Across both treatment arms, similar percentages of individuals experienced changes of more than 10 percentage points in LVEF, LV strain, LV mass, cognition, and inflammation biomarkers, including among those with greater than 90% drug compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with breast cancer and lymphoma with no existing indication for statin therapy, prospective statin administration did not affect LVEF declines 2 years after doxorubicin. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01988571.).

Statin Therapy for Prevention of Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity - Another Defeat for Cardioprotection?

Reduction in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and clinical heart failure (HF) are well-known potential consequences of anthracycline therapy for cancer. Putative mechanisms include myocardial dysfunction and damage caused by the production of reactive oxygen species and topoisomerase II-mediated cell death.1,2 Interest in the use of statins as a preventive strategy against anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity centers on the pleotropic (anti-inflammatory) effects of statin therapy.3 Support for statins as potential cardioprotective agents during anthracycline-based chemotherapy stems from observational cohort studies, two small prospective trials, and meta-analyses.

Current Status and Trends of Research on Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity from 2002 to 2021: A Twenty-Year Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

Anthracyclines constitute the cornerstone of numerous chemotherapy regimens for various cancers. However, the clinical application of anthracyclines is significantly limited to their dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the current status of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is necessary for in-depth research and optimal clinical protocols. Bibliometric analysis is widely applied in depicting development trends and tracking frontiers of a specific field. The present study is aimed at revealing the status and trends of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity during the past two decades by employing bibliometric software including R-bibliometric, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. A total of 3504 publications concerning anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity from 2002 to 2021 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Results showed significant growth in annual yields from 90 records in 2002 to 304 papers in 2021. The United States was the most productive country with the strongest collaboration worldwide in the field. Charles University in the Czech Republic was the institution that contributed the most papers, while 7 of the top 10 productive institutions were from the United States. The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health are the two agencies that provide financial support for more than 50% of sponsored publications. The research categories of included publications mainly belong to Oncology and Cardiac Cardiovascular Systems. The Journal of Clinical Oncology had a comprehensive impact on this research field with the highest IF value and many publications. Simunek Tomas from Charles University contributed the most publications, while Lipshultz Steven E. from the State University of New York possessed the highest H-index. In addition, the future research frontiers of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity might include early detection, pharmacogenomics, molecular mechanism, and cardiooncology. The present bibliometric analysis may provide a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in future research directions.

Cardioprotective Strategies from Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Cardiotoxicity is a significant complication of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer patients. Cardiovascular incidents including LV dysfunction, heart failure (HF), severe arrhythmias, arterial hypertension, and death are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Risk stratification of cancer patients prior to initiation of chemotherapy is crucial, especially in high-risk patients for cardiotoxicity. The early identification and management of potential risk factors for cardiovascular side effects seems to contribute to the prevention or minimization of cardiotoxicity. Screening of cancer patients includes biomarkers such as cTnI and natriuretic peptide and imaging measurements such as LV function, global longitudinal strain, and cardiac MRI. Cardioprotective strategies have been investigated over the last two decades. These strategies for either primary or secondary prevention include medical therapy such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, b-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, statins and dexrazoxane, physical therapy, and reduction of chemotherapeutic dosages. However, data regarding dosages, duration of medical therapy, and potential interactions with chemotherapeutic agents are still limited. Collaboration among oncologists, cardiologists, and cardio-oncologists could establish management cardioprotective strategies and approved follow-up protocols in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: The Good and Bad of Current and Alternative Therapies

Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remains a serious health burden, especially in developing countries. Unfortunately, the high cost of current preventative strategies has marginalized numerous cancer patients because of socio-economic factors. In addition, the efficacy of these strategies, without reducing the chemotherapeutic properties of Dox, is frequently questioned. These limitations have widened the gap and necessity for alternative medicines, like flavonoids, to be investigated. However, new therapeutics may also present their own shortcomings, ruling out the idea of “natural is safe”. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stipulated that the concept of drug-safety be considered in all pre-clinical and clinical studies, to explore the pharmacokinetics and potential interactions of the drugs being investigated. As such our studies on flavonoids, as cardio-protectants against DIC, have been centered around cardiac and cancer models, to ensure that the efficacy of Dox is preserved. Our findings thus far suggest that flavonoids of Galenia africana could be suitable candidates for the prevention of DIC. However, this still requires further investigation, which would focus on drug-interactions as well as in vivo experimental models to determine the extent of cardioprotection.

Cardioprotection of High-Risk Individuals

Targeting cardioprotective strategies to patients at the highest risk for cardiac events can help maximize therapeutic benefits. Dexrazoxane, liposomal formulations, continuous infusions, and neurohormonal antagonists may be useful for cardioprotection for anthracycline-treated patients at the highest risk for heart failure. Prevalent cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for cardiac events with many cancer therapies, including anthracyclines, anti-human-epidermal growth factor receptor-2 therapy, radiation, and BCR-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and may be a risk factor for cardiac events with other therapies. Although evidence for cardioprotective strategies is sparse for nonanthracycline therapies, optimizing cardiac risk factors and prevalent cardiovascular disease may improve outcomes.

Intracellular Signaling Pathways Mediating Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Cardiotoxicity

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used to treat several cancers; however, a myriad of adverse cardiotoxic effects remain a primary concern. Although hypertension (HTN) is the most common adverse effect reported with TKI therapy, incidents of arrhythmias (eg, QT prolongation, atrial fibrillation) and heart failure are also prevalent. These complications warrant further research toward understanding the mechanisms of TKI-induced cardiotoxicity. Recent literature has given some insight into the intracellular signaling pathways that may mediate TKI-induced cardiac dysfunction. In this article, we discuss the cardiotoxic effects of TKIs on cardiomyocyte function, signaling, and possible treatments.

Statins Lower Lipid Synthesis But Promote Secretion of Cholesterol-Enriched Extracellular Vesicles and Particles

Lipid droplets are lipid-rich cytosolic organelles that play roles in cell signaling, membrane trafficking, and many other cellular activities. Recent studies revealed that lipid droplets in cancer cells have various biological functions, such as energy production, membrane synthesis, and chemoresistance, thereby fostering cancer progression. Accordingly, the administration of antilipemic agents could improve anti-cancer treatment efficacy given hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs could be encapsulated into lipid droplets and then expelled to extracellular space. In this study, we investigated whether statins could promote treatment efficacy of lipid droplet-rich ovarian SKOV-3 cells and the potential influences on generation and composition of cell-derived extracellular vesicles and particles (EVP). Our studies indicate that statins can significantly lower lipid biosynthesis. Moreover, statins can inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of SKOV-3 cells and enhance chemosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, statins can lower EVP secretion but enforce the release of cholesterol-enriched EVPs, which can further lower lipid contents in parental cells. It is the first time that the influence of statins on EVP generation and EVP-lipid composition is observed. Overall, we demonstrated that statins could inhibit lipid production, expel cholesterol to extracellular space via EVPs, and improve chemosensitivity.

Joint association of statins and testosterone replacement therapy with cardiovascular disease among older men with prostate cancer: SEER-Medicare 2007-2015

BACKGROUND

Use of statins and testosterone replacement therapy (TTh) have been independently linked with prostate cancer (PCa) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, there is a research gap about the joint association of statins and TTh with CVD among PCa survivors and a matched cancer-free cohort.

METHODS

In SEER-Medicare 2007-2015 (N = 35,990 men), we identified 17,995 PCa survivors, and 17,995 age- and index-matched cancer-free men. Pre-diagnostic prescription of statins and TTh was ascertained for this analysis and examined in two matched cohorts. Weighted multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to evaluate the independent and joint associations of statins and TTh with CVD.

RESULTS

We found that independently statins (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.44-0.53) and TTh (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.0.61-0.90) were each inversely associated with CVD in the overall sample. TTh plus statins was inversely associated with CVD (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.70, P_interaction = 0.03). Similar associations were observed among the matched cancer-free cohort. Among PCa survivors, only statins (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56-0.68) and combination of TTh plus statins (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44-0.90) were inversely associated with CVD, but not the independent use of TTh.

CONCLUSION

Pre-diagnostic use of statins and TTh, independent or in combination, were inversely associated with CVD in the overall and cancer-free populations, but among PCa survivors it was mainly use of statins, not TTh. Greater reduced effects on CVD were observed with statins or in combination with statins, but not with TTh. Future studies need to confirm these associations among older men with aggressive PCa.

Statins for Cardiac and Vascular Protection During and After Cancer Therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although cancer treatments have increased overall survival rates, the cardiovascular consequences of cancer therapy place patients at an increased risk of adverse outcomes. This manuscript presents data accumulated to date regarding cardiovascular outcomes relating to the administration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme-A reductase inhibitor (or statin) therapy in individuals receiving potentially cardiotoxic cancer treatments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Retrospective observational studies in humans and randomized controlled trials in animals suggest that statins may reduce cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Further, statins may attenuate cancer therapy-induced declines in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and increases in blood pressure. Observational studies suggest a potential attenuation in LVEF decline in patients with cancer and primary or secondary indications to receive a statin for prevention of cardiovascular events. Large randomized clinical trials are warranted to understand the efficacy and potential impacts of statin class, dosage, and duration on cardiovascular outcomes in patients treated for cancer.

Novel Therapeutics for Anthracycline Induced Cardiotoxicity

Anthracyclines remain an essential component of the treatment of many hematologic and solid organ malignancies, but has important implications on cardiovascular disease. Anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) ranges from asymptomatic LV dysfunction to highly morbid end- stage heart failure. As cancer survivorship improves, the detection and treatment of AIC becomes more crucial to improve patient outcomes. Current treatment modalities for AIC have been largely extrapolated from treatment of conventional heart failure, but developing effective therapies specific to AIC is an area of growing research interest. This review summarizes the current evidence behind the use of neurohormonal agents, dexrazoxane, and resynchronization therapy in AIC, evaluates the clinical outcomes of advanced therapy and heart transplantation in AIC, and explores future horizons for treatment utilizing gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and mechanism-specific targets.

Cardiotoxicity of Anticancer Drugs: Molecular Mechanisms and Strategies for Cardioprotection

Chemotherapy and targeted therapies have significantly improved the prognosis of oncology patients. However, these antineoplastic treatments may also induce adverse cardiovascular effects, which may lead to acute or delayed onset of cardiac dysfunction. These common cardiovascular complications, commonly referred to as cardiotoxicity, not only may require the modification, suspension, or withdrawal of life-saving antineoplastic therapies, with the risk of reducing their efficacy, but can also strongly impact the quality of life and overall survival, regardless of the oncological prognosis. The onset of cardiotoxicity may depend on the class, dose, route, and duration of administration of anticancer drugs, as well as on individual risk factors. Importantly, the cardiotoxic side effects may be reversible, if cardiac function is restored upon discontinuation of the therapy, or irreversible, characterized by injury and loss of cardiac muscle cells. Subclinical myocardial dysfunction induced by anticancer therapies may also subsequently evolve in symptomatic congestive heart failure. Hence, there is an urgent need for cardioprotective therapies to reduce the clinical and subclinical cardiotoxicity onset and progression and to limit the acute or chronic manifestation of cardiac damages. In this review, we summarize the knowledge regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the onset of cardiotoxicity associated with common classes of chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs. Furthermore, we describe and discuss current and potential strategies to cope with the cardiotoxic side effects as well as cardioprotective preventive approaches that may be useful to flank anticancer therapies.

Cardioprotective Strategies for Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity: Present and Future

The improvement of drugs and protocols of chemotherapeutic treatment has led to improved outcomes and survival in patients with cancer. But along with this, at first glance a positive point, there was another interdisciplinary problem, which is the need for early detection and treatment of developing cardiotoxicity when taking chemotherapy drugs. The study of cardioprotective strategies has recently become increasingly relevant, due to the fact that many patients who have successfully undergone treatment for cancer have a high risk of developing or are at high risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. One of the main drugs for the treatment of a number of oncological diseases is an anthracycline – type antibiotic-doxorubicin. This review briefly examines the risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying anthracycline cardiotoxicity. The current possibilities of cardioprotection of anthracycline cardiotoxicity are considered in detail, and some promising targets and drugs for improving cardioprotective strategies are discussed.

Current State of Pediatric Cardio-Oncology: A Review

The landscape of pediatric oncology has dramatically changed over the course of the past several decades with five-year survival rates surpassing 80%. Anthracycline therapy has been the cornerstone of many chemotherapy regimens for pediatric patients since its introduction in the 1960s, and recent improved survival has been in large part due to advancements in chemotherapy, refinement of supportive care treatments, and development of novel therapeutics such as small molecule inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, many cancer-targeted therapies can lead to acute and chronic cardiovascular pathologies. The range of cardiotoxicity can vary but includes symptomatic or asymptotic heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, valvar disease, pericardial disease, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease. There is lack of data guiding primary prevention and treatment strategies in the pediatric population, which leads to substantial practice variability. Several important future research directions have been identified, including as they relate to cardiac disease, prevention strategies, management of cardiovascular risk factors, risk prediction, early detection, and the role of genetic susceptibility in development of cardiotoxicity. Continued collaborative research will be key in advancing the field. The ideal model for pediatric cardio-oncology is a proactive partnership between pediatric cardiologists and oncologists in order to better understand, treat, and ideally prevent cardiac disease in pediatric oncology patients.

Inequity in Cardio-Oncology: Identifying Disparities in Cardiotoxicity and Links to Cardiac and Cancer Outcomes

Minority and underresourced communities experience disproportionately high rates of fatal cancer and cardiovascular disease. The intersection of these disparities within the multidisciplinary field of cardio‐oncology is in critical need of examination, given the risk of perpetuating health inequities in the growing vulnerable population of patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease. This review identifies 13 cohort studies and 2 meta‐analyses investigating disparate outcomes in treatment‐associated cardiotoxicity and situates these data within the context of oncologic disparities, preexisting cardiovascular disparities, and potential system‐level inequities. Black survivors of breast cancer have elevated risks of cardiotoxicity morbidity and mortality compared with White counterparts. Adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer with lower socioeconomic status experience worsened cardiovascular outcomes compared with those of higher socioeconomic status. Female patients treated with anthracyclines or radiation have higher risks of cardiotoxicity compared with male patients. Given the paucity of data, our understanding of these racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, and sex and gender disparities remains limited and large‐scale studies are needed for elucidation. Prioritizing this research while addressing clinical trial inclusion and access to specialist care is paramount to reducing health inequity.

Statins to mitigate cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Cardiotoxicity affects 5-16% of cancer patients who receive anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Limited research has examined interventions to mitigate cardiotoxicity. We examined the role of statins in mitigating cardiotoxicity by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central. A random-effect model was used to assess summary relative risks (RR), weighted mean differences (WMD), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Testing for heterogeneity between the studies was performed using Cochran's Q test and the I2 test.

RESULTS

Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 117 patients and four observational cohort studies with a total of 813 patients contributed to the analysis. Pooled results indicate significant mitigation of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure among statin users in cohort studies [RR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.27-0.78), p = 0.004, [Formula: see text] = 0.0%] and a non-significant decrease in cardiotoxicity risk among statin users in RCTs [RR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.17-1.45), p = 0.20, [Formula: see text] = 5.6%]. Those who used statins were also significantly more likely to maintain left ventricular ejection fraction compared to baseline after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab therapy in both cohort studies [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 6.14%, 95% CI (2.75-9.52), p < 0.001, [Formula: see text] = 74.7%] and RCTs [WMD = 6.25%, 95% CI (0.82-11.68, p = 0.024, [Formula: see text] = 80.9%]. We were unable to explore publication bias due to the small number of studies.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that there is an association between statin use and decreased risk of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure. Larger well-conducted RCTs are needed to determine whether statins decrease risk of cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42020140352 on 7/6/2020.

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

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

Cardiovascular Manifestations From Therapeutic Radiation: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Statement From the International Cardio-Oncology Society

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer therapy, with >50% of patients undergoing therapeutic radiation. As a result of widespread use and improved survival, there is increasing focus on the potential long-term effects of ionizing radiation, especially cardiovascular toxicity. Radiation therapy can lead to atherosclerosis of the vasculature as well as valvular, myocardial, and pericardial dysfunction. We present a consensus statement from the International Cardio-Oncology Society based on general principles of radiotherapy delivery and cardiovascular risk assessment and risk mitigation in this population. Anatomical-based recommendations for cardiovascular management and follow-up are provided, and a priority is given to the early detection of atherosclerotic vascular disease on imaging to help guide preventive therapy. Unique management considerations in radiation-induced cardiovascular disease are also discussed. Recommendations are based on the most current literature and represent a unanimous consensus by the multidisciplinary expert panel.

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Radiation therapy leads to short- and long-term cardiovascular adverse effects of the vasculature and the heart, including valvular, myocardial, and pericardial disease.

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Computed tomography scans conducted for radiation planning or cancer staging provide an available opportunity to detect asymptomatic atherosclerosis and direct preventive therapies.

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Additional practical screening recommendations for cardiovascular disease based on anatomical exposure are provided.

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There are unique considerations in the management of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease; contemporary percutaneous treatment is often preferred over surgical options.

Preventing and Treating Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity: New Insights

Anthracyclines are the cornerstone of many chemotherapy regimens for a variety of cancers. Unfortunately, their use is limited by a cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Despite more than five decades of research, the biological mechanisms underlying anthracycline cardiotoxicity are not completely understood. In this review, we discuss the incidence, risk factors, types, and pathophysiology of anthracycline cardiotoxicity, as well as methods to prevent and treat this condition. We also summarize and discuss advances made in the last decade in the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology.

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: mechanisms of action, incidence, risk factors, prevention, and treatment

Anthracycline is a mainstay in treatment of many cancers including lymphoma and breast cancer among many others. However, anthracycline treatment can be cardiotoxic. Although anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is dose dependent, it can also occur early at the onset of treatment and even up to several years following completion of treatment. This review article focuses on the understanding of mechanisms of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, the treatments, and recommended follow-up and preventive approaches.

Current status and future perspectives of onco-cardiology: Importance of early detection and intervention for cardiotoxicity, and cardiovascular complication of novel cancer treatment

The prognosis has improved remarkably in recent years with the development of cancer treatment. With the increase in the number of cancer survivors, complications of cardiovascular disease have become a problem. Therefore, the field of onco-cardiology has been attracting attention. The field of onco-cardiology covers a wide range of areas. In the past, cardiac dysfunction caused by cardiotoxic drug therapies such as doxorubicin (Adriamycin) was the most common cause of cardiac dysfunction, but nowadays, cardiovascular complications caused by aging cancer survivors, atherosclerotic disease in cardiovascular risk carriers, thromboembolism, and new drugs (e.g., myocarditis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and hypertension caused by angiogenesis) are becoming more common. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of cardiotoxicity of cancer therapy, appropriate treatment and prevention, and cardiovascular complications of novel chemotherapy, which will increase in demand in the near future.

Statin Use Can Attenuate the Decline in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and the Incidence of Cardiomyopathy in Cardiotoxic Chemotherapy Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

There is insufficient evidence about the cardioprotective effects of statins against chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to March 2021 for studies that reported the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before and after chemotherapy and the incidence of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients who received concurrent statin therapy and those who received chemotherapy alone. A random effects meta-analysis was performed to obtain the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the mean final LVEF and the mean LVEF change, and the pooled odds ratio (OR) and the 95% CI of the incidence of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy. Seven studies with 3042 patients were included in this meta-analysis (statin group: 1382 patients received concurrent statin with chemotherapy; control group: 1660 patients received chemotherapy alone). Patients in the control group had a more significant decline in LVEF (WMD = −6.08%, 95% CI: −8.55 to −3.61, p < 0.001) compared to those in the statin group. Additionally, the statin group had a significantly lower incidence of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy compared to the control group (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.28–0.60, p < 0.001). Consequently, our study showed a significant reduction in the incidence of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy and the degree of LVEF decline in patients in the statin group compared to those in the control group.