Efficacy and follow-up of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with radiation-induced aortic stenosis

Outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical outcomes for TAVR in cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy (C-XRT) who develop symptomatic aortic-valve stenosis are not adequately assessed in major clinical trials leading to conflicting results. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the, safety, efficacy, and mortality outcomes of cancer survivors with prior C-XRT undergoing TAVR. MEDLINE and Scopus were searched up to March 2024. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials comparing severe aortic stenosis patients with and without prior C-XRT undergoing TAVR with at least one outcome of interest were shortlisted. Data were analyzed using random-effects model to derive weighted mean differences, and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Six studies with 6,191 patients (278 C-XRT and 5,913 no-C-XRT) were included. All-cause mortality at 30-day (RR 1.63, p = 0.12) and 1-year interval (RR 1.59, p = 0.08) showed no significant differences with prior C-XRT versus no-C-XRT. Worsening CHF was the only post-procedural safety outcome significantly higher in patients with prior C-XRT (RR 1.98, p = 0.0004) versus no- C-XRT. The efficacy end-points i.e., improvement in LVEF (MD 1.24; -0.50, 2.98), and aortic valve gradient (MD -0.63; -1.32, 0.05) were not significantly different. TAVR has similar all-cause mortality, efficacy and safety (except CHF worsening) among cancer survivors with and without a prior history of C-XRT.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with history of chest wall irradiation: Propensity matched analysis of five years data from national inpatient sample (2016-2020)

INTRODUCTION

Chest radiotherapy has been utilized to treat intra-thoracic and mediastinal tumors. Chest wall irradiation (C-XRT) survivors frequently develop valvular disease, including aortic stenosis, which eventually requires valve replacement. Previous trials have shown worse outcomes with surgical aortic valve replacement. However, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) outcomes-related data in patients with C-XRT is limited.

METHODS

The national inpatient sample (NIS) database was queried from 2016 to 2020 to identify adult hospitalizations with TAVR, which were dichotomized based on a history of C-XRT using ICD-10-CM codes. Propensity score matching was performed to derive age, sex, hospital characteristics, and co-morbidities matched controls without a history of C-XRT. The outcomes studied were inpatient mortality and complications, mean length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charge (THC). Multivariate logistic and linear regression were used to analyze the outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 296,670 patients who underwent TAVR between 2016 and 2020, 515 had a history of C-XRT. Upon propensity score matching in patients undergoing TAVR, Patients with a history of C-XRT showed significantly lower adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.04, 95 % CI [0.003-0.57], p = 0.017), lower mean LOS by 1.6 days (-1.88 to -1.26 days, p < 0.001) and reduced mean THC (-$74,720, [-$88,784 to -$60,655], p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with C-XRT had significantly lower adjusted odds of inpatient complications, mainly acute myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, need for vasopressors and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, whereas similar odds of complications, including a requirement of intubation, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, and cardiogenic shock.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis showed reduced adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality, length of stay, total hospital charges, and inpatient complications in patients undergoing TAVR with a history of C-XRT. TAVR appears to be a safe and viable alternative in this population subgroup.

Transcatheter aortic valve intervention in patients with cancer

The prevalence of concurrent cancer and severe aortic stenosis (AS) is increasing due to an ageing population. In addition to shared traditional risk factors for AS and cancer, patients with cancer may be at increased risk for AS due to off-target effects of cancer-related therapy, such as mediastinal radiation therapy (XRT), as well as shared non-traditional pathophysiological mechanisms. Compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, major adverse events are generally lower in patients with cancer undergoing transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI), especially in those with history of mediastinal XRT. Similar procedural and short-to-intermediate TAVI outcomes have been observed in patients with cancer as compared with no cancer, whereas long-term outcomes are dependent on cancer survival. Considerable heterogeneity exists between cancer subtypes and stage, with worse outcomes observed in those with active and advanced-stage disease as well as specific cancer subtypes. Procedural management in patients with cancer poses unique challenges and thus requires periprocedural expertise and close collaboration with the referring oncology team. The decision to ultimately pursue TAVI involves a multidisciplinary and holistic approach in assessing the appropriateness of intervention. Further clinical trial and registry studies are needed to better appreciate outcomes in this population.

Radiation-Induced Aortic Stenosis: An Update on Treatment Modalities

The adverse effects of radiation therapy for cancer are well described and can include a wide array of cardiac complications. Radiation-induced aortic stenosis (AS) is an increasingly recognized entity that poses particular therapeutic challenges. Several retrospective studies comparing the outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) vs those after surgical aortic valve replacement patients with radiation-induced AS have found a trend toward decreased mortality and fewer major complications with TAVR. Surgical aortic valve replacement is associated with increased mortality in patients with radiation-induced AS compared with patients without a history of prior radiation. TAVR has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative in patients with radiation-induced AS, with safety similar to that for patients who have not received prior radiation. However, rare and unexpected complications may occur after TAVR from the deleterious effects of radiation on mediastinal structures. More studies are needed to identify the optimal way of managing patients with radiation-induced AS, and algorithms are needed for planning these complex interventions.

A Rare Case of Radiation-Associated Aortic and Mitral Valve Stenosis Treated With Transcatheter Valve Replacements

Radiation therapy is the standard of care for achieving cure for many thoracic malignancies, but it can result in long-term cardiovascular sequelae such as valve disease. We describe a rare case of severe aortic and mitral stenosis due to prior radiation therapy for giant cell tumor treated successfully with percutaneous aortic and off-label mitral valve replacements. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with prior chest radiation undergoing TAVR: Observations from PARTNER-2

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to investigate the viability of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with prior chest radiation therapy (cXRT).

BACKGROUND

Since patients with prior cXRT perform poorly with surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVR can be a viable alternative. However, clinical outcomes after TAVR in this patient population have not been well studied.

METHODS

From the pooled registry of the placement of aortic transcatheter valves II trial, we identified patients with and without prior cXRT who underwent TAVR (n = 64 and 3923, respectively). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and any stroke at 2 years. Time to event analyses were shown as Kaplan-Meier event rates and compared by log-rank testing. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated and compared by Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the patients with and without prior cXRT (30.7% vs. 27.0%; p = 0.75; HR, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.77). Rates of myocardial infarction, vascular complications, acute kidney injury, or new pacemaker implant after TAVR were not statistically different between the two groups. The rate of immediate reintervention with a second valve for aortic regurgitation after TAVR was higher among the patients with prior cXRT. However, no further difference was observed during 2 years follow-up after discharge from the index-procedure hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR is a viable alternative for severe symptomatic AS in patients who had cXRT in the past.

Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Disease: Review of an Underrecognized Pathology

Radiation therapy demonstrates a clear survival benefit in the treatment of several malignancies. However, cancer survivors can develop a wide array of cardiotoxic complications related to radiation. This pathology is often underrecognized by clinicians and there is little known on how to manage this population. Radiation causes fibrosis of all components of the heart and significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, valvulopathy, arrhythmias, and pericardial disease. Physicians should treat other cardiovascular risk factors aggressively in this population and guidelines suggest obtaining regular imaging once symptomatology is established. Patients with radiation‐induced cardiovascular disease tend to do worse than their traditional counterparts for the same interventions. However, there is a trend toward fewer complications and lower mortality with catheter‐based rather than surgical approaches, likely because radiation makes these patients poor surgical candidates. When appropriate, these patients should be referred for percutaneous management of valvulopathy and coronary disease.

Cardiac computed tomography in cardio-oncology: an update on recent clinical applications

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have drastically improved cancer survival, but they can result in significant short- and long-term cardiovascular complications, most commonly heart failure from chemotherapy, whilst radiotherapy increases the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), valve, and pericardial diseases. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) with calcium scoring has a role in screening asymptomatic patients for premature CAD, cardiac CT angiography (CTCA) allows the identification of significant CAD, also in the acute settings where concerns exist towards invasive angiography. CTCA integrates the diagnostic work-up and guides surgical/percutaneous management of valvular heart diseases and allows the assessment of pericardial conditions, including detection of effusion and pericardial calcification. It is a widely available and fast imaging modality that allows a one-step evaluation of CAD, myocardial, valvular, and pericardial disease. This review aims to provide an update on its current use and accompanying evidence-base for cardiac CT in the management of cardio-oncology patients.

Successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a Patient with Radiation-induced Aortic Stenosis for Mediastinal Hodgkin Lymphoma

Aortic stenosis (AS), a late complication of thoracic radiation therapy for chest lesions, is often coincident with porcelain aorta or hostile thorax. We herein report a 59-year-old man with a history of mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma treated with radiation therapy but later presenting with heart failure caused by severe AS. Severe calcification in the mediastinum and around the ascending aorta made it difficult to perform surgical aortic valve replacement. The patient therefore underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It is important to recognize radiation-induced AS early, now that TAVI is a well-established treatment required by increasing numbers of successfully treated cancer patients.

Radiation-Induced Vascular Disease-A State-of-the-Art Review

Since the 1990s, there has been a steady increase in the number of cancer survivors to an estimated 17 million in 2019 in the US alone. Radiation therapy today is applied to a variety of malignancies and over 50% of cancer patients. The effects of ionizing radiation on cardiac structure and function, so-called radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), have been extensively studied. We review the available published data on the mechanisms and manifestations of RIHD, with a focus on vascular disease, as well as proposed strategies for its prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with a history of cancer: Periprocedural and long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

A history of cancer is incorporated into the surgical risk assessment of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement through the Society for Thoracic Surgeons score. However, the prognostic significance of cancer in patients treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is unclear. As the cancer survivorship population increases, it is imperative to establish the efficacy and safety of TAVR in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) and a history of malignancy.

OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of this study was to assess the periprocedural outcomes and long-term mortality in patients with a history of cancer undergoing TAVR.

METHODS

A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE was conducted to identify studies reporting outcomes in patients with a history of malignancy undergoing TAVR. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with a primary outcome of all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality at the longest follow-up. On secondary analyses, procedural safety was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 13 observational studies with 10,916 patients were identified in the systematic review. Seven studies including 6,323 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Short-term mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.61, 95%CI 0.36-1.01; p = .06) and long-term all-cause mortality (RR 1.24, 95%CI 0.95-1.63; p = .11) were not significantly different when comparing patients with and without a history of cancer. No significant difference in the rate of periprocedural complications including stroke, bleeding, acute kidney injury, and pacemaker implantation was noted.

CONCLUSION

In patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR, a history of cancer was not associated with adverse short or long-term survival. Based on these findings, TAVR should be considered in all patients with severe symptomatic AS, irrespective of their history of malignancy.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement after chest radiation: A propensity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Chest radiation therapy (CRT) for malignant thoracic neoplasms is associated with development of valvular heart disease years later. As previous radiation exposure can complicate surgical treatment, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative. However, outcomes data are lacking for TAVR patients with a history of CRT.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of all patients who underwent a TAVR procedure at a single institution between September 2012 and November 2018. Among 1341 total patients, 50 had previous CRT. These were propensity-matched in a 1:2 ratio to 100 patients without history of CRT. Thirty-day adverse events were analyzed with generalized estimating equation models. Overall mortality was analyzed with stratified Cox regression modelling.

RESULTS

Median clinical follow-up was 24 months (interquartile range [IQR], 12-44 months). There was no difference between CRT and non-CRT patients in overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.84 [0.37-1.90], P = 0.67), 30-day mortality (HR 3.1 [0.49-20.03], P = 0.23), or 30-day readmission rate (HR 1.0 [0.43-2.31], P = 1). There were no differences in the rates of most adverse events, but patients with CRT history had higher rates of postprocedural respiratory failure (HR 3.63 [1.32-10.02], P = 0.01) and permanent pacemaker implantation (HR 2.84 [1.15-7.01], P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with aortic valve stenosis and previous CRT, TAVR is safe and effective, with outcomes similar to those in the general aortic stenosis population. Patients with history of CRT are more likely to have postprocedural respiratory failure and to require permanent pacemaker implantation.

Outcomes of Patients With Severe Symptomatic Aortic Valve Stenosis After Chest Radiation: Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

Background Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and a history of chest radiation therapy represent a complex and challenging cohort. It is unknown how transcatheter aortic valve replacement ( TAVR ) compares with surgical aortic valve replacement in this group of patients, which was the objective of this study. Methods and Results We retrospectively reviewed all patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent either TAVR or surgical aortic valve replacement at our institution with a history of mediastinal radiation (n=55 per group). End points were echocardiographic and clinical outcomes in-hospital, at 30 days, and at 1 year. Inverse propensity weighting analysis was used to account for intergroup baseline differences. TAVR patients had a higher STS score than surgical aortic valve replacement patients (5.1% [3.2, 7.7] versus 1.6% [0.8, 2.6], P<0.001) and more often ( P<0.01 for all) a history of atrial fibrillation (45.5% versus 12.7%), chronic lung disease (47.3% versus 7.3%), peripheral arterial disease (38.2% versus 7.3%), heart failure (58.2% versus 18.2%), and pacemaker therapy (23.6% versus 1.8%). Postoperative atrial fibrillation was less frequent (1.8% versus 27.3%; P<0.001) and hospital stay was shorter in TAVR patients (4.0 [2.0, 5.0] versus 6.0 [5.0, 8.0] days; P<0.001). The ratio of observed-to-expected 30-day mortality was lower after TAVR as was 30-day mortality in inverse propensity weighting-adjusted Kaplan-Meier analyses. Conclusions In patients with severe aortic stenosis and a history of chest radiation therapy, TAVR performs better than predicted along with less adjusted 30-day all-cause mortality, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and shorter hospitalization compared with surgical aortic valve replacement. These data support further studies on the preferred role of TAVR in this unique patient population.

Outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy (C-XRT) frequently present with aortic stenosis (AS) as the first manifestation of radiation-induced heart disease. They are considered high-risk for surgical valve replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is as an attractive option for this patient population but the outcomes are not well established in major clinical trials. The authors performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies for the outcomes after TAVR in cancer survivors with prior C-XRT.

Methods

Online databases were searched from inception to April 2020 for studies evaluating the outcomes of TAVR in patients with and without C-XRT. We analyzed the pooled estimates (with their 95% confidence intervals) of the odds ratio (OR) for the all-cause mortality at 30-day and 1-year follow-ups, 4-point safety outcomes (stroke, major bleed, access-related vascular complications and need for a pacemaker), a 2-point efficacy outcome (mean aortic valve gradient and left ventricular ejection fraction) and worsening of congestive heart failure (CHF). Four studies were included following 2054 patients with and without prior C-XRT exposure (164 patients and 1890 patients respectively).

Results

The C-XRT group had similar 30-day mortality compared to the control group (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.58, p = 0.48). The 1-year mortality was higher in the C-XRT group (OR 1.97, CI 1.15 to 3.39, p = 0.01). Apart from higher congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation in the C-XRT group (OR 2.03, CI 1.36 to 3.04, p = 0.0006), TAVR resulted in similar safety and efficacy outcomes in both groups.

Conclusion

TAVR in the C-XRT group has similar 30-day mortality, safety, and efficacy outcomes compared to the control group; however, they have higher 1-year mortality and CHF exacerbation. Including an oncologist to the cardiology team who considers cancer stage in the decision-making process and applying additional preoperative scores such as frailty indices may refine the risk assessment for these patients. The quality of analyzed data is modest, warranting randomized trials to assess the true benefits of TAVR in these patients.

Outcomes of cardiac surgery after mediastinal radiation therapy: A single-center experience

Background

Mediastinal radiation therapy (MRT) is a widely used therapy for thoracic malignancies. This therapy has the potential to cause cardiovascular injuries, which may require surgery. The primary aim of this study is to identify the perioperative outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients with a history of MRT. Second, potential predictors of mortality and adverse events were identified.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among 59 patients with prior MRT who underwent cardiac surgery between December 2009 and March 2015. Included surgeries consisted of procedures through median‐ and ministernotomy. Baseline, perioperative, and follow‐up data were obtained and analyzed.

Results

The majority of patients had a history of breast cancer (n = 43), followed by Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 10) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 3). Preoperative estimated mortality with the Euroscore II was 3.4%. Overall 30‐day mortality was 6.8% (n = 4), with a total in‐hospital mortality of 10.2% (n = 6). Postoperatively, nine rethoracotomies (15.3%) had to be performed. During a mean follow‐up of 53 months, an additional 10 patients (16.9%) died, of which 60% (n = 6) as a result of cancer‐related events. Cox proportional modeling showed no differences in mortality between primary malignancies (P  > .05).

Conclusion

This study shows that cardiac surgery after mediastinal radiotherapy is associated with increased short‐ and long‐term mortality when compared to preoperative mortality risks predicted by the Euroscore II. Surgery‐related events caused all short‐term mortality cases, while malignancy‐related events were the main cause of death during the follow‐up. Mortality was higher in patients with a previous stroke and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate.

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

Patient: Male, 48

Final Diagnosis: Late cardiac complications postradiotherapy

Symptoms: Chest pain • dyspnea • syncope

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques in cardiology

Specialty: Cardiology

Applications of Cardiac Computed Tomography in the Cardio-Oncology Population

OPINION STATEMENT

The increased risk for cardiovascular events in aging cancer survivors and those undergoing certain chemotherapeutic treatments has raised concern for more rigorous screening and surveillance methods above that of the general population. At this time, there are limited guidelines for how to best manage this vulnerable cohort. Questions regarding timing of screening, choice of imaging modality and risk reduction strategies-especially in those patients with known atherosclerotic disease-remain to be elucidated. Over a decade of case series, retrospective studies and clinical trials have shed light on the evolving role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in this population, of which there is a relative paucity of data regarding its potential utility in the specific cardio-oncology population. Focusing on ability of cardiac CT to evaluate multiple cardiac and vascular structures, provide diagnostic and prognostic information, as well as assist interventional and surgical colleagues in surgical/percutaneous valve replacement and revascularization strategies is the premise for this review.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Cancer-Related Cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity related to antineoplastic agents is a rising and growing issue, therefore early recognition and prompt management can impact on the overall prognosis of cancer patients. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman without cardiovascular risk factors, with a medical history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic myeloid leukemia treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis and cardiac resynchronization therapy for further development of complete left bundle branch block, with a significant improvement of her functional status and left ventricle systolic function in a long-term follow-up.

The risk of reoperative cardiac surgery in radiation-induced valvular disease

OBJECTIVE

Mediastinal radiation therapy (MRT) increases the risk for adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery and is not incorporated in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk algorithm. We aimed to quantify the surgical risk conferred by MRT in patients undergoing primary and reoperative valvular operations.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 261 consecutive patients with prior MRT who underwent valvular operations between January 2002 and May 2015. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared for STS predicted risk of mortality, surgery type, gender, year of surgery, and age-matched patients stratified by reoperative status.

RESULTS

Mean age was 62.6 ± 12.1 years and 174 (67%) were women. The majority had received MRT for Hodgkin lymphoma (48.2%) and breast cancer (36%). Overall, 214 (82%) were primary and 47 (18%) were reoperative procedures. Reoperation carried a higher operative mortality than primary cases (17% vs 3.7%; P = .003). Compared with the 836 nonradiated matches, operative mortality and observed-to-expected STS mortality ratios were higher in primary (3.8% [1.4] vs 0.8% [0.32]; P = .004) and reoperative (17% [3.35] vs 2.3% [0.45]; P = .001) patients with prior MRT. Cox proportional hazard modeling revealed that in patients with previous MRT, primary (hazard ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-2.91) and reoperative status (hazard ratio, 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-5.21) adversely affected long-term survival compared with nonradiated matches.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for radiation-induced valvular heart disease has a higher operative mortality than predicted by STS predicted risk of mortality. Reoperations are associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared with primary cases. Careful patient selection is paramount and expanded indications for transcatheter therapies should be considered, especially in reoperative patients.

[Radiation-related heart toxicity: Update in women]

Breast cancer is a common diagnosis in women and thus women are at risk of radiation-induced heart disease, in particular during radiotherapy for left breast cancer and when the internal mammary chain is included. Rates of major cardiac events increase with younger age at the time of irradiation, diagnosis before 1990s, higher radiation doses, coexisting cardiovascular risk factors and adjuvant cardiotoxic chemotherapy. Radiation-induced heart disease comprises a spectrum of cardiac pathologies, including pericardial disease, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and valvular disease. The cardiac injury can appear a long time after radiotherapy and can consist of complex lesions with poor prognosis. The disciplines of cardiology and oncology have increasingly recognized the benefits of collaborating in the care of cancer patients with cardiac disease, developing guidelines for the assessment and management of radiation-related cardiovascular disease. We could consider screening patients with previous chest radiation every 5 years with transthoracic echocardiography and functional imaging. However, prevention remains the primary goal, using cardiac sparing doses and avoidance techniques in radiotherapy to improve patient survival.

Radiation-induced valvular heart disease

Radiation to the mediastinum is a key component of treatment with curative intent for a range of cancers including Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer. Exposure to radiation is associated with a risk of radiation-induced heart valve damage characterised by valve fibrosis and calcification. There is a latent interval of 10-20 years between radiation exposure and development of clinically significant heart valve disease. Risk is related to radiation dose received, interval from exposure and use of concomitant chemotherapy. Long-term outlook and the risk of valve surgery are related to the effects of radiation on mediastinal structures including pulmonary fibrosis and pericardial constriction. Dose prediction models to predict the risk of heart valve disease in the future and newer radiation techniques to reduce the radiation dose to the heart are being developed. Surveillance strategies for this cohort of cancer survivors at risk of developing significant heart valve complications are required.