Cardiotoxicity during chemotherapy treatment with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin

Intercellular pathways of cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity and their therapeutic implications: the paradigm of radiotherapy

Advances in cancer therapeutics have improved patient survival rates. However, cancer survivors may suffer from adverse events either at the time of therapy or later in life. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a clinically important, but mechanistically understudied complication, which interfere with the continuation of best-possible care, induce life-threatening risks, and/or lead to long-term morbidity. These concerns are exacerbated by the fact that targeted therapies and immunotherapies are frequently combined with radiotherapy, which induces durable inflammatory and immunogenic responses, thereby providing a fertile ground for the development of CVDs. Stressed and dying irradiated cells produce 'danger' signals including, but not limited to, major histocompatibility complexes, cell-adhesion molecules, proinflammatory cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. These factors activate intercellular signaling pathways which have potentially detrimental effects on the heart tissue homeostasis. Herein, we present the clinical crosstalk between cancer and heart diseases, describe how it is potentiated by cancer therapies, and highlight the multifactorial nature of the underlying mechanisms. We particularly focus on radiotherapy, as a case known to often induce cardiovascular complications even decades after treatment. We provide evidence that the secretome of irradiated tumors entails factors that exert systemic, remote effects on the cardiac tissue, potentially predisposing it to CVDs. We suggest how diverse disciplines can utilize pertinent state-of-the-art methods in feasible experimental workflows, to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of radiotherapy-related cardiotoxicity at the organismal level and untangle the desirable immunogenic properties of cancer therapies from their detrimental effects on heart tissue. Results of such highly collaborative efforts hold promise to be translated to next-generation regimens that maximize tumor control, minimize cardiovascular complications, and support quality of life in cancer survivors.

Drug-induced atrial fibrillation. A narrative review of a forgotten adverse effect

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. There is clinical evidence that an increasing number of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular drugs, mainly anticancer drugs, can induce AF either in patients with or without pre-existing cardiac disorders, but drug-induced AF (DIAF) has not received the attention that it might deserve. In many cases DIAF is asymptomatic and paroxysmal and patients recover sinus rhythm spontaneously, but sometimes, DIAF persists, and it is necessary to perform a cardioversion. Furthermore, DIAF is not mentioned in clinical guidelines on the treatment of AF. The risk of DIAF increases in elderly and in patients treated with polypharmacy and with risk factors and comorbidities that commonly coexist with AF. This is the case of cancer patients. Under these circumstances ascribing causality of DIAF to a given drug often represents a clinical challenge. We review the incidence, the pathophysiological mechanisms, risk factors, clinical relevance, and treatment of DIAF. Because of the limited information presently available, further research is needed to obtain a deeper insight into DIAF. Meanwhile, it is important that clinicians are aware of the problem that DIAF represents, recognize which drugs may cause DIAF, and consider the possibility that a drug may be responsible for a new-onset AF episode.

Redefining the Incidence and Profile of Fluoropyrimidine-Associated Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: The cardiac toxicity that occurs during administration of anti-tumor agents has attracted increasing concern. Fluoropyrimidines have been used for more than half a century, but their cardiotoxicity has not been well clarified. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence and profile of fluoropyrimidine-associated cardiotoxicity (FAC) comprehensively based on literature data. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases and clinical trials on studies investigating FAC. The main outcome was a pooled incidence of FAC, and the secondary outcome was specific treatment-related cardiac AEs. Random or fixed effects modeling was used for pooled meta-analyses according to the heterogeneity assessment. PROSPERO registration number: (CRD42021282155). Results: A total of 211 studies involving 63,186 patients were included, covering 31 countries or regions in the world. The pooled incidence of FAC, by meta-analytic, was 5.04% for all grades and 1.5% for grade 3 or higher. A total of 0.29% of patients died due to severe cardiotoxicities. More than 38 cardiac AEs were identified, with cardiac ischemia (2.24%) and arrhythmia (1.85%) being the most frequent. We further performed the subgroup analyses and meta-regression to explore the source of heterogeneity, and compare the cardiotoxicity among different study-level characteristics, finding that the incidence of FAC varied significantly among different publication decades, country/regions, and genders. Patients with esophagus cancer had the highest risk of FAC (10.53%), while breast cancer patients had the lowest (3.66%). The treatment attribute, regimen, and dosage were significantly related to FAC. When compared with chemotherapeutic drugs or targeted agents, such a risk was remarkably increased (χ2 = 10.15, p < 0.01; χ2 = 10.77, p < 0.01). The continuous 5-FU infusion for 3–5 consecutive days with a high dosage produced the highest FAC incidence (7.3%) compared with other low-dose administration patterns. Conclusions: Our study provides comprehensive global data on the incidence and profile of FAC. Different cancer types and treatment appear to have varying cardiotoxicities. Combination therapy, high cumulative dose, addition of anthracyclines, and pre-existing heart disease potentially increase the risk of FAC.

The Role of Vasospasm and Microcirculatory Dysfunction in Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Ischemic Heart Disease

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Cardiotoxicity from chemotherapeutic agents results in substantial morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer. Cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been well established, yet its incidence, mechanisms, and manifestation remain poorly defined. Ischemia secondary to coronary artery vasospasm is thought to be the most frequent cardiotoxic effect of 5-FU. The available evidence of 5-FU-induced epicardial coronary artery spasm and coronary microvascular dysfunction suggests that endothelial dysfunction or primary vascular smooth muscle dysfunction (an endothelial-independent mechanism) are the possible contributing factors to this form of cardiotoxicity. In patients with 5-FU-related coronary artery vasospasm, termination of chemotherapy and administration of nitrates or calcium channel blockers may improve ischemic symptoms. However, there are variable results after administration of nitrates or calcium channel blockers in patients treated with 5-FU presumed to have myocardial ischemia, suggesting mechanisms other than impaired vasodilatory response. Clinicians should investigate whether chest pain and ECG changes can reasonably be attributed to 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity. More prospective data and clinical randomized trials are required to understand and mitigate potentially adverse outcomes from 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity.

Chemotherapy-Induced Arrhythmia - Underrecognized and Undertreated

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy-induced arrhythmia is a potential complication of treatment that confers increased morbidity and mortality. The relationship between chemotherapeutic agents and arrhythmias is poorly established. Atrial fibrillation, ventricular ectopic beats, and prolonged QTc are the most common arrhythmias suffered by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The treatment of atrial fibrillation in cancer is complicated by complex drug-drug interactions and a lack of evidence guiding practice. Furthermore, the normal risk assessment scores utilized in the decision-making for anticoagulation in the normal population are not validated in the cancer population. Multiple agents are implicated in prolonging the QTc, and this can often have adverse consequences for both the patient and the treatment of their cancer. This can manifest as torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. It is advised that, during treatment, oncologists should have close liaison with cardio-oncologists to ensure optimum patient management.

Risk Factors of Fluoropyrimidine Induced Cardiotoxicity among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Cancer patients experienced an increased risk of cardiotoxicity during fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil or capecitabine). We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, IPA, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2019, in English, examining risk factors for cardiotoxicity induced by fluoropyrimidine. Included study-level data were converted to risk ratios (RRs) and pooled RRs were calculated for meta-analyses using a random-effects method. Among 690 publications identified for abstract and title screening, 22 unique studies were included in the review, and 20 had sufficient data for meta-analyses. Results indicated that patients undergoing capecitabine-based combination therapy had a higher risk than those with monotherapy (pooled RR = 1.61). Patients with pre-existing cardiac disease (pooled RR = 3.26), hypertension (pooled RR = 1.52) or smoking (pooled RR = 2.22) also had higher risks than their counterparts. Developing risk assessment tools to mitigate the risk could be a viable strategy to improve outcomes for cancer patients undergoing fluoropyrimidine-based treatments.

Cardiotoxicities of 5-Fluorouracil and Other Fluoropyrimidines

OPINION STATEMENT

Fluoropyrimidine (FP) is used to treat a wide range of cancers; however, it is associated with drug-induced vascular toxicity, as well as angina pectoris and coronary spasm. FP has been administered for many years, although the incidence, mechanisms, and appropriate methods for managing its associated cardiovascular toxicities have not been clarified, and the management of these complications has not been standardized. This lack of evidence is not limited to FP. Many trials of anticancer agents have been conducted, excluding patients with heart diseases. Hence, there is a paucity of epidemiological data on cardiovascular adverse events caused by anticancer agents. There have been remarkable improvements in cancer treatment in recent years, with consequent improvements in prognosis. In this context, new cardiovascular toxicities related to new drugs have emerged. We are now compelled to respond to cardiovascular adverse events despite the lack of evidence regarding optimal management. The result has been establishment and rapid maturation of the new academic field of cardio-oncology. Despite the relative lack of evidence, we must review small pieces of evidence that have accumulated to date and make the utmost efforts to provide patients with effective evidence-based medical care. Simultaneously, we urgently need randomized clinical trials to build strong evidence.

[Fluoropyrimidines cardiac toxicity: 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, compound S-1 and trifluridine/tipiracil]

The incidence of cardiac toxicity of 5-flurorouracil (5-FU) IV and capecitabine varies from 1.2 to 18%. The physiopathology of this toxicity is still under study, various hypotheses are mentioned. In the absence of identified prophylactic treatment, reintroduction of this cytotoxic is at risk. A discussion between oncologists and cardiologists is essential to estimate the balance between benefit and risk and the careful reintroduction of treatment. An alternative compound might be raltitrexed which is currently the treatment recommended in case of intolerance to fluoropyrimidines. The compound S-1 does not have any cardiac toxicity. Of a total of 2910 patients in phase II or III studies, no grade III or IV cardiovascular events were reported. However, the treatment is not reimbursed in France and therefore not available. The trifluridine/tipiracil, for which approval from French authorities was obtained in November 2016 for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in progress despite standard treatment lines, does not appear to have cardiac toxicity according to studies published to date. The pivotal phase III study (RECOURSE), that led to this marketing authorization, was performed in 800 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory and only one patient (less than 1% of patients) treated with trifluridine/tipiracil presented an episode of cardiac ischemia. Thus, trifluridine/tipiracil, which is well tolerated, could be an alternative to raltitrexed for patients with cardiovascular history contraindicating or discouraging the use of fluoropyrimidines.

5-fluorouracil and cardiotoxicity: a review

Fluoropyrimidines such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) form the foundation of a wide variety of chemotherapy regimens. 5-FU is in fact the third most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of solid malignancies across the world. As with all chemotherapy, balancing the potential benefits of therapy against the risks of drug-related toxicity is crucial when clinicians and patients make shared decisions about treatment. 5-FU is the second most common chemotherapeutic drug associated with cardiotoxicity after anthracyclines, which can manifest as chest pain, acute coronary syndrome/myocardial infarction or death. Nevertheless a widespread appreciation of 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity and its implications is lacking amongst clinicians. In this review, we outline the incidence, possible risk factors, and likely pathophysiological mechanisms that may account for 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity and also highlight potential management strategies for this poorly understood clinical entity.

Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine in Chinese patients: a prospective study

Background

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine-associated cardiotoxicity ranging from asymptomatic electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities to severe myocardial infarction has been reported in a number of studies, but such cardiotoxicity in Chinese patients with malignant diseases has not been investigated to date. In the present study, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the incidence rates and clinical manifestations of 5-FU- and capecitabine-associated cardiotoxicity in cancer patients recruited from multiple centers in China.

Methods

Among the 527 patients who completed the study, 196 received 5-FU-based chemotherapy and 331 received capecitabine-based chemotherapy as either first-line or adjuvant therapy. Adverse events were reported during the treatment and up to 28 days of follow-up. Outcome measures included ECG, myocardial enzymes, cardiac troponin, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed for subgroup analysis and identification of significant independent variables that are associated with cardiotoxicity of both agents.

Results

In total, 161 of 527 patients (30.6%) experienced cardiotoxicity. The incidence rate of cardiotoxicity was 33.8% (112/331) in the capecitabine group, which was significantly higher than the rate of 25% (49/196) in the 5-FU group (P = 0.0042). 110/527 patients (20.9%) suffered arrhythmia, 105/527 (19.9%) developed ischemic changes, while only 20/527 patients (3.8%) presented heart failure and 6/527 patients (1.1%) had myocardial infarction. Pre-existing cardiac disease, hypertension, capecitabine-based chemotherapy and duration of treatment were identified as significant risk factors associated with cardiotoxicity. The odds ratio were 15.7 (prior history of cardiac disease versus no history), 1.86 (capecitabine versus 5-FU), 1.06 (5–8 versus 1–4 chemotherapy cycles) and 1.58 (hypertension versus no hypertension), respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiotoxicity induced by fluoropyrimidines in the Chinese population may be underestimated in clinical practice. Close monitoring of patients is recommended, especially for those patients at high risk for cardiotoxicity. Possible risk factors are duration of treatment, capecitabine-based chemotherapy, pre-existing cardiac diseases and hypertension.

Trial registration This study was initiated on January 22, 2014 and has been retrospectively registered with the registration number ChiCTR1800015434

Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Manifestations, Mechanisms, and Management

Fluoropyrimidines-5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine-have been implicated as cardiotoxic chemotherapy agents. This rare, albeit potentially serious toxicity has been described in nearly four decades of case reports, case series, and in vitro modeling; however, there is a paucity in clinical trials and prospective analyses focused on cardioprotective strategies and cardiotoxic surveillance of these agents. While much attention has focused on the well-known cardiac toxicity of anthracyclines and monoclonal antibody agents such as trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidines remain one of the most common causes of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity. The introduction of capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-FU, has made the treatment of solid tumors more convenient along with a subsequent rise in documented cardiotoxic cases. This review discusses the symptomatology, clinical manifestations, and proposed molecular mechanisms that attempt to describe the heterogeneous spectrum of fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity. Four case examples showcasing the varied manifestations of cardiotoxicity are presented. Finally, several proposed management strategies for cardiotoxicity and post-hospital course precautions are discussed.

Cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine: a systematic review of incidence, manifestations and predisposing factors

PURPOSE

To systematically review the incidence, manifestations and predisposing factors for cardiovascular toxicity in cancer patients treated with systemic 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine.

DESIGN

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of science for studies with ≥ 20 cancer patients evaluating cardiovascular toxicity of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine. We hand searched the reference lists of all included studies. Study selection and assessment of risk of bias were performed by two authors independently.

RESULTS

We identified 30 eligible studies (1 meta-analyses of 4 RCTs, 18 prospective and 11 retrospective). Symptomatic cardiotoxicity occurred in 0-20% of the patients treated with 5-fluorouracil and in 3-35% with capecitabine. The most common symptom was chest pain (0-18.6%) followed by palpitations (0-23.1%), dyspnoea (0-7.6%) and hypotension (0-6%). Severe clinical events such as myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest occurred in 0-2%. Mortality rates ranged from 0 to 8%. Asymptomatic cardiac influence was demonstrated on ECG, in NT-proBNP measurements and with ultrasonic cyclic variation of integrated backscatter. Predisposing factors were mostly tested in univariate analyses. Preexisting cardiac disease was a risk factor in some studies, but there were divergent results. There was some evidence for increased cardiotoxicity during continuous infusion schedules and with concomitant cisplatin treatment. The effects of previous or current chest-radiotherapy were ambiguous.

CONCLUSION

Larger studies suggest an incidence of symptomatic cardiotoxicity of 1.2-4.3% during fluorouracil treatment, however subclinical cardiac influence are common. Possible risk factors are cardiac co-morbidity, continuous infusion schedules and concomitant cisplatin treatment, but existing evidence are of insufficient quality.

Drug-induced atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and an important cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality. A myriad of drugs can induce AF. However, drug-induced AF (DIAF) receives little attention. Thus, this review is an attempt to attract the attention on this adverse effect.

AREAS COVERED

Published reports of drug-induced AF (DIAF) are reviewed in this paper, from January 1974 to December 2011, using the PubMed/Medline database and lateral references.

EXPERT OPINION

In most cases, DIAF is paroxysmal and terminates spontaneously, but sometimes AF persists and it is necessary to perform a cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm and avoid progression to persistent AF. Because of the short duration of DIAF, in addition to physicians/patients not being knowledgeable about this side effect, the real incidence and clinical consequences of DIAF are presently unknown. DIAF is an increasing problem, as some widely prescribed drugs can present this adverse effect. The risk is expected to increase in the elderly and in patients with comorbidities. It is important that physicians understand the significance of DIAF, to increase the collaboration between cardiac and non-cardiac professionals, and to educate patients to make them aware of this adverse side effect.

Decreased oxygen transfer capacity of erythrocytes as a cause of 5-fluorouracil related ischemia

Various mechanisms have been proposed to account for chemotherapy related ischemia, but none of them can explain the available clinical data. In order to explore the possibility that the decreased ability of erythrocytes to deliver oxygen to the heart could be responsible for cardiotoxicity, we have performed an ex vivo and in vivo study of the effects of cisplatin/5-FU on erythrocytes, using a variety of biophysical techniques. Combining EPR and microscopy it was concluded that both cardiotoxic 5-FU and non-cardiotoxic cisplatin have similar effects on the erythrocyte membrane, thus eliminating those changes as a potential source of cardiotoxicity. On the contrary, 31P-NMR and polarography showed that the effects of these cytostatics on the intracellular milieu differ significantly. 5-FU provoked a pronounced decrease of the O2 level in blood and affected the metabolism of phosphate compounds, while cisplatin had no such effects. When combined these two drugs showed synergistic effects, which matches the higher frequency of cardiotoxicity of the combination relative to the sole application of 5-FU. Preliminary results acquired on blood of patients receiving cisplatin/5-FU therapy verified observations obtained ex vivo. These results open a possibility of applying NMR in preclinical trials of new drugs in order to predict their ischemic potential.

Severe ventricular dysrhythmias and silent ischemia during infusion of the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil and cis-platin

The antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil is frequently used in the therapy of various malignancies. Cardiotoxicity has frequently been described during treatment, but there is no common agreement on the need to perform cardiovascular monitoring of patients during 5-fluorouracil administration. We report the case of a young patient with an head-neck cancer on whom a continuous electrocardiogram recording was performed, documenting serious ventricular dysrhythmias in the presence of myocardial ischemia during 5-fluorouracil and cis-platin infusion.

Risk factors and prevention of cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine

AIM

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its prodrug capecitabine are cardiotoxic. This retrospective study aimed to identify risk factors and to give practical measures to make such chemotherapy feasible if cardiotoxicity occur.

METHOD

Review of cardiotoxicity among 668 patients treated with 5-FU or capecitabine for gastrointestinal cancers.

RESULTS

Cardiotoxicity occurred in 29 cases (4.3%). The number of cases according to cardiotoxicity CTC grades 2-4 for patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease were none, 10, and 2 cases, and 3, 14, and no cases, respectively (P=0.16). In three patients intercurrent decrease of renal clearances to <30, 48 and 71 ml min(-1) led to markedly increased cardiotoxicity. Chemotherapy dose reduction to 70 or 50%, either alone or in addition to antiangina medication prevented cardiotoxicity during subsequent chemotherapy in nine (60%) and three (20%) cases out of 15 assessable patients (P=0.001), respectively. To abolish symptoms of cardiotoxicity, sublingual nitroglycerine was efficient for 15 patients and inefficient for two (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac and renal co-morbidity are risk factors for 5-FU induced cardiotoxicity. In this situation, rechallenge with modified 5-FU-based chemotherapy regimen supported by symptomatic medical treatment is feasible.

Acute reversible cardiomyopathy and thromboembolism after cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy--a case report

Acute development of cardiomyopathy and occlusive thromboembolic events following cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is rare but frequently lethal. The authors report the successful management of such an event in a 52-year-old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.

[Heart pathology of extracardiac origin. VII. Heart and neoplasms]

Cardiac alterations of neoplastic diseases can be due to direct invasion produced by primary cardiac tumors or more frequently secondary to local compression of vascular structures by extracardiac neoplasms, such as superior vena cava syndrome. One of the most important alterations is the cardiotoxicity of anticancer treatments, either chemotherapy drugs or radiotherapy techniques. These treatments cause acute and/or chronic cardiotoxicity that the oncologist and the cardiologist must be aware of. For instance, 4.5% to 7% of patients that have been treated with anthracyclines may suffer cardiac failure in their lifetime. The pathogenesis is still not clear. There is currently a lot of research on cardioprotectors, but nowadays the only one approved by the FDA is dexrazoxane, which is used on breast cancer patients treated with adriamycin.