The Estimation of Intima-Media Thickness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Survivors of Childhood Cancer

The Relationship Between Cancer and Functional and Structural Markers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives

The relationship between cancer and subclinical atherosclerosis has always been the focus of people's attention. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by evaluating the effects of cancer on functional and structural markers of subclinical atherosclerosis:intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).

Methods

A comprehensive and systematic literature search was conducted on the internet. Sensitivity analysis, publication bias, standard mean difference (SMD), corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and subgroup analysis were performed for all relevant research indicators in the retrieved literature.

Results

Forty-six studies were included, including 3,729 cancer patients and 2,404 healthy controls. Cancer patients had significantly thicker IMT [SMD (95%CI) = 0.290 (0.069 to 0.511), P = 0.010] and higher PWV [SMD (95%CI) = 0.392 (0.136 to 0.647), P = 0.003] compared with healthy controls. There was no significant difference in FMD [SMD (95% CI) = −0.192 (−0.527 to 0.144), P > 0.05). After subgrouping by age, male proportion, and treatment, the analysis results of IMT ≥ 50 years old, PWV and FMD < 50 years old, male proportion ≥50%, chemotherapy group, IMT and PWV radiotherapy group, and PWV endocrine therapy group were statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in other subgroup analyses, overall sensitivity analysis, and publication bias (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Cancer may promote subclinical atherosclerosis, and change the functional and structural markers of subclinical atherosclerosis such as IMT and PWV. Early intervention and prevention should be pursued.

Cardiotoxicidad por antraciclinas en supervivientes de cáncer durante la infancia

Introducción: a nivel mundial, cada año cerca de 300.000 niños entre 0 y 19 años son diagnosticados con cáncer. El porcentaje de supervivientes va en aumento, llegando a 80 % en países desarrollados y 60 % en América Latina. Sin embargo, la expectativa y la calidad de vida de estas personas pueden verse comprometidas ante el desarrollo de cardiotoxicidad, un efecto adverso asociado al uso de algunos agentes antineoplásicos, como los antracíclicos.Objetivo: resaltar los aspectos clínicos relevantes para la prevención, detección oportuna, tratamiento y seguimiento de la cardiotoxicidad secundaria a la administración de antraciclinas durante la infancia.Síntesis de contenido: reflexión teórica que presenta consideraciones clínicas relevantes para guiar las acciones de enfermería y del equipo multidisciplinario en la atención y el cuidado de la salud cardiovascular de los supervivientes de cáncer a cualquier edad. Es importante destacar que en población pediátrica la única estrategia efectiva de prevención primaria para cardiotoxicidad por antraciclinas es la administración de dexrazoxano, mientras que la prevención secundaria debe incluir detección oportuna, control y  seguimiento de las alteraciones de la función cardíaca y de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Por su parte, la prevención terciaria se centra en el control de la enfermedad y el manejo farmacológico. Conclusiones: no existe un  tratamiento estándar para la cardiotoxicidad inducida por quimioterapia o radioterapia, siendo el objetivo principal de este tipo de tratamientos prevenir o retrasar la remodelación del ventrículo izquierdo. Todos los supervivientes requieren seguimiento vitalicio y búsqueda activa de signos de cardiotoxicidad, siendo fundamental la acción conjunta de diferentes profesionales y la consolidación de los servicios de cardio-oncología.

Cardiovascular Function and Exercise Capacity in Childhood Cancer Survivors

Introduction: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) might be at high risk of additional chronic diseases due to cardiotoxic side effects. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term side effects of cancer therapy on vascular structure/function, cardiac biomarkers and on physical activity. Methods: In total, 68 asymptomatic patients aged 16–30 years with childhood cancer (diagnosed 10.6 ± 3.9 years ago) were examined from 2015–2020. (Central) blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were registered via the oscillometric method, while carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured non-invasively by ultrasound. cIMT values of patients were compared to healthy controls (n = 68; aged 22.3 ± 3.5 years). Patients’ exercise capacity was recorded. The plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic protein (NTproBNP) and troponin levels were measured as cardiac biomarkers. CCS were categorized in groups with low, moderate and high anthracyclines. Results: No differences were found in cIMT between patients and controls as well as between patients with various anthracycline dosage. Patients with high dose anthracyclines showed a significant lower performance versus patients with moderate dose anthracyclines (84.4% of predicted VO₂peak; p = 0.017). A total of 11.6% of CCS had abnormal NTproBNP values which correlated with received anthracycline dosage (p = 0.024; r = 0.343). Conclusion: NTproBNP levels and exercise capacity might be early markers for cardiovascular dysfunction in CCS and should be included in a follow-up protocol, while cIMT and troponin seem not to be adequate parameters.

Total Body Irradiation in Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Review of the Literature and Future Directions

Total body irradiation (TBI) has been a pivotal component of the conditioning regimen for allogeneic myeloablative haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in very-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) for decades, especially in children and young adults. The myeloablative conditioning regimen has two aims: (1) to eradicate leukaemic cells, and (2) to prevent rejection of the graft through suppression of the recipient's immune system. Radiotherapy has the advantage of achieving an adequate dose effect in sanctuary sites and in areas with poor blood supply. However, radiotherapy is subject to radiobiological trade-offs between ALL cell destruction, immune and haematopoietic stem cell survival, and various adverse effects in normal tissue. To diminish toxicity, a shift from single-fraction to fractionated TBI has taken place. However, HSCT and TBI are still associated with multiple late sequelae, leaving room for improvement. This review discusses the past developments of TBI and considerations for dose, fractionation and dose-rate, as well as issues regarding TBI setup performance, limitations and possibilities for improvement. TBI is typically delivered using conventional irradiation techniques and centres have locally developed heterogeneous treatment methods and ways to achieve reduced doses in several organs. There are, however, limitations in options to shield organs at risk without compromising the anti-leukaemic and immunosuppressive effects of conventional TBI. Technological improvements in radiotherapy planning and delivery with highly conformal TBI or total marrow irradiation (TMI), and total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) have opened the way to investigate the potential reduction of radiotherapy-related toxicities without jeopardising efficacy. The demonstration of the superiority of TBI compared with chemotherapy-only conditioning regimens for event-free and overall survival in the randomised For Omitting Radiation Under Majority age (FORUM) trial in children with high-risk ALL makes exploration of the optimal use of TBI delivery mandatory. Standardisation and comprehensive reporting of conventional TBI techniques as well as cooperation between radiotherapy centres may help to increase the ratio between treatment outcomes and toxicity, and future studies must determine potential added benefit of innovative conformal techniques to ultimately improve quality of life for paediatric ALL patients receiving TBI-conditioned HSCT.

Serum endocan and endothelial dysfunction in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors: a tertiary center experience

Background:

An increased risk of cardiovascular complications is reported in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Early identification of impaired vascular health may allow for early interventions to improve outcomes.

Aim:

The study was conducted to assess the endothelial dysfunction in ALL survivors using a new marker, serum endocan, and measurement of the mean common carotid arteries intima media thickness (cIMT).

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted on 100 childhood ALL survivors (aged 6–18 years), with 80 healthy age and sex-matched children as a control group. Lipid profile, hepatitis markers, and serum ferritin where measured, in addition to the measurement of serum endocan. and cIMT by B-mode high-resolution ultrasonography for all study participants.

Results:

Triglycerides, total cholesterol, post prandial glucose, and serum ferritin were significantly higher in ALL survivors than controls (p < 0.05). Dyslipidemia was detected in 6% of ALL survivors. ALL survivors showed statistically higher serum endocan levels (470.41 ± 556.1 ng/l, versus, 225.94 ± 185.2 ng/l, respectively) and increased cIMT levels compared with the control group (0.650 ± 0.129 mm versus 0.320 ± 0.095 mm, respectively) p < 0.05. Serum endocan was positively correlated with cIMT and blood cholesterol.

Conclusions:

The survivors of childhood ALL demonstrated an elevated level of serum endocan and increased cIMT. These can be used as predictors of endothelial dysfunction, and, as a consequence, the risk of developing premature atherosclerosis.

Characterization of Cardiac, Vascular, and Metabolic Changes in Young Childhood Cancer Survivors

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It was the primary aim of this study to determine different measures of cardiac, carotid, lipid, and apolipoprotein status in young adult CCS and in healthy controls. Methods: Cardiac and common carotid artery (CCA) structure and function were measured by ultrasonography. Lipids and apolipoproteins were measured in the blood. Peripheral arterial endothelial vasomotor function was assessed by measuring digital reactive hyperemia index (PAT-RHI) using the Endo-PAT 2000. Results: Fifty-three CCS (20-30 years, 35 men) and 53 sex-matched controls were studied. The CCS cohort was divided by the median dose of anthracyclines into a low anthracycline dose (LAD) group (50-197 mg/m², n = 26) and a high anthracycline dose (HAD) group (200-486 mg/m², n = 27). Carotid distensibility index (DI) and endothelial function determined by PAT-RHI were both lower in the CCS groups compared with controls (p < 0.05 and p = 0.02). There was no difference in carotid intima media thickness. Atherogenic apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B) and the ratio between Apo-B and Apoliprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) were higher in the HAD group compared with controls (p < 0.01). Apo-B/Apo-A1-ratio was over reference limit in 29.6% of the HAD group, in 15.4% of LAD group, and in 7.5% of controls (p = 0.03). Measured lipid markers (low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol and triglycerides) were higher in both CCS groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic function were measurably decreased in the HAD group, as evidenced by lower EF (p < 0.001) and lower é-wave (p < 0.005) compared with controls. CCA DI correlated with Apo-B/Apo-A1-ratio and Apo-A1. Follow-up time after treatment correlated with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Young asymptomatic CCS exhibit cardiac, vascular, lipid, and apolipoprotein changes that could account for increased risk for CVD later in life. These findings emphasize the importance of cardiometabolic monitoring even in young CCS.

A Review of Acute and Long-Term Neurological Complications Following Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Despite advances in haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) techniques, the risk of serious side effects and complications still exists. Neurological complications, both acute and long term, are common following HSCT and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. The aetiology of neurotoxicity includes infections and a wide variety of non-infectious causes such as drug toxicities, metabolic abnormalities, irradiation, vascular and immunologic events and the leukaemia itself. The majority of the literature on this subject is focussed on adults. The impact of the combination of neurotoxic drugs given before and during HSCT, radiotherapy and neurological complications on the developing and vulnerable paediatric and adolescent brain remains unclear. Moreover, the age-related sensitivity of the nervous system to toxic insults is still being investigated. In this article, we review current evidence regarding neurotoxicity following HSCT for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childhood. We focus on acute and long-term impacts. Understanding the aetiology and long-term sequelae of neurological complications in children is particularly important in the current era of immunotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells and bi-specific T-cell engager antibodies), which have well-known and common neurological side effects and may represent a future treatment modality for at least a fraction of HSCT-recipients.

Is Carotid Stiffness a Possible Surrogate for Stroke in Long-term Survivors of Childhood Cancer after Neck Radiotherapy?

Background

The risk for cerebrovascular late effects among childhood cancer survivors is considerable. According to recent studies it is not clear which marker could be reliable for the screening of cerebrovascular diseases among the long-term survivors of childhood cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyse arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness as possible early markers of later occurring stroke in long-term survivors of childhood cancer after neck radiotherapy.

Patients and methods

Twenty-three patients, treated for Hodgkin disease (HD) in childhood, were included. They had received radiation therapy to the neck with 20–65 (median 30) Gy. Twenty-six healthy controls, matched in age, sex, body mass index, arterial hypertension, smoking history and total cholesterol levels were compared. Highresolution colour-coded duplex sonography and power Doppler sonography of the carotid arteries were performed and intima-media thickness, number and quality of plaques were measured. Arterial stiffness indices were calculated.

Results

Plaque deposits and/or arterial wall calcinations were found in 24 out of 43 (55.8%) irradiated vessels in cancer survivors group and 0 out of 52 vessels in the group of healthy controls (p < 0.01). We found significant group differences for all the stiffness parameters we used (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in intima-media thickness between cases and controls (p = 0.92). In a multivariate model, carotid pulse wave velocity was positively associated with smoking.

Conclusions

The arterial stiffness has appeared as a possible surrogate marker for stroke in long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Smoking habit might have an additional negative influence on vascular aging in the group of patients after neck radiotherapy.