Cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy and antibody therapy

Nursing interventions for adult patients undergoing cancer cardiotoxic therapy: Scoping review

PURPOSE

To identify nursing interventions for the management of adult patients undergoing cardiotoxic oncologic therapy.

METHODS

This scoping review was performed in accordance with the JBI guidelines. The literature search took place between July and August 2022. Studies examining interventions for the management of adult cancer patients undergoing cardiotoxic therapy were included. The characteristics and results of the studies were synthesized and analyzed in a narrative way.

FINDINGS

In the nine included studies, it was verified that the interventions were implemented to guide the actions of the health team in general rather than specifically nursing staff. Nine nursing interventions related to the Classification of Nursing Interventions were included.

CONCLUSIONS

The nursing interventions identified focused on rigorous cardiovascular surveillance, risk assessment, and actions to identify and mitigate cardiotoxicity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

It is believed that the implementation of the identified nursing interventions will lead to evidence-based nursing practice and will contribute to the development of care products and processes that assess the cardiological risks and cardiotoxicity.

Maximal Aerobic Power, Quality of Life, and Ejection Fraction in Survivors of Childhood Cancer Treated with Anthracyclines

BACKGROUND

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a frequent complication that can occur at any stage of treatment, even in survivors.

OBJECTIVE

To determine maximum aerobic power, quality of life, and left ventricular ejection fraction in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, observational study.

METHODS

The left ventricular ejection fraction was obtained from the transthoracic echocardiogram report in the medical records. Each patient underwent a 6-minute walk test, assessment of maximum aerobic power on a cycle ergometer, and evaluation of perceived exertion using the EPInfant scale, and finally, their quality of life was evaluated using the pediatric quality of life inventory model.

RESULTS

A total of 12 patients were studied, with an average of 16.2 years of age. All patients exhibited a left ventricular ejection fraction >60%, the mean distance covered in the 6-minute walk test was 516.7 m, and the mean of the maximum aerobic power was 70 W. Low quality of life scores were obtained in the physical and psychosocial aspects. In the Pearson test, a weak correlation without statistical significance was found between all the variables studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneously with the detection of cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors, it is pertinent to perform physical evaluations as physical condition and cardiotoxicity seem to be issues that are not necessarily dependent.

Analysis of competing risks of cardiovascular death in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A population-based study

Clinical data has shown that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a prominent cause of mortality in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This research aimed to reveal the comorbid effects of CVDs in patients with HCC. The cardiovascular mortality of patients diagnosed with HCC between 2000 and 2014 was compared to that of the general US population. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated to quantify the relative risk of cardiovascular mortality in HCC patients. The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular death (CVD) was estimated using Fine-Gray testing, and independent risk factors for CVD were determined using competing risk models. The results were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The overall SMR for CVD in HCC patients was 11.15 (95% CI: 10.99-11.32). The risk of CVD was significantly higher in patients aged < 55 years (SMR: 56.19 [95% CI: 54.97-57.44]) compared to those aged ≥ 75 years (SMR: 1.86 [95% CI: 1.75-1.97]). This study suggests that patients with HCC are at significant risk of developing CVD. Competing risk analyses indicated that age, grade, tumor size, surveillance, epidemiology, and end results stage, and surgical status were independent risk factors for CVD in patients with HCC. Therefore, patients with HCC require enhanced preventive screening and management of CVDs during and after treatment to improve patient survival.

In-hospital and one-year outcomes in cancer patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: A real-world study

BACKGROUND

Cancer and ischemic heart disease are the leading causes of mortality. The optimal management for patients with concomitant acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cancer remains challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in-hospital and 1-year adverse outcomes in cancer patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat AMI.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, patients with cancer admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University for AMI and discharged between January 2015 and June 2020 were analyzed. The outcomes were all-cause mortality at 1-year follow up and incidence of in-hospital adverse events, including arrhythmias, heart failure, major bleeding, stroke, and all-cause death.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients were included, of these, 68 (57.1%) received PCI (PCI group) and 51 (42.9%) did not (non-PCI group). Patients in the PCI group had a lower incidence of in-hospital arrhythmias (22.1 vs. 39.2%; p = 0.042), major bleeding (2.9 vs. 15.7%; p = 0.013), and all-cause mortality (1.5 vs. 11.8%; p = 0.018) than those in non-PCI group. On 1-year follow-up, the PCI group had a lower all-cause mortality than the non-PCI group (log-rank test = 14.65; p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression showed that PCI is an independent protective factor (adjusted HR = 0.503 [0.243-0.947], p = 0.045) for cancer patients who have concomitant AMI.

CONCLUSION

Cancer patients receiving PCI for AMI had a lower risk of in-hospital adverse events and mortality as well as 1-year all-cause mortality compared to those who refused PCI. Our study therefore supports the use of PCI to improve prognosis of this selected group of patients.

In-hospital and one-year outcomes in cancer patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction: A real-world study

Background

Cancer and ischemic heart disease are the leading causes of mortality. The optimal management for patients with concomitant acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cancer remains challenging.

Objective

To evaluate in-hospital and 1-year adverse outcomes in cancer patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to treat AMI.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, patients with cancer admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University for AMI and discharged between January 2015 and June 2020 were analyzed. The outcomes were all-cause mortality at 1-year follow up and incidence of in-hospital adverse events, including arrhythmias, heart failure, major bleeding, stroke, and all-cause death.

Results

A total of 119 patients were included, of these, 68 (57.1%) received PCI (PCI group) and 51 (42.9%) did not (non-PCI group). Patients in the PCI group had a lower incidence of in-hospital arrhythmias (22.1 vs. 39.2%; p = 0.042), major bleeding (2.9 vs. 15.7%; p = 0.013), and all-cause mortality (1.5 vs. 11.8%; p = 0.018) than those in non-PCI group. On 1-year follow-up, the PCI group had a lower all-cause mortality than the non-PCI group (log-rank test = 14.65; p < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression showed that PCI is an independent protective factor (adjusted HR = 0.503 [0.243-0.947], p = 0.045) for cancer patients who have concomitant AMI.

Conclusion

Cancer patients receiving PCI for AMI had a lower risk of in-hospital adverse events and mortality as well as 1-year all-cause mortality compared to those who refused PCI. Our study therefore supports the use of PCI to improve prognosis of this selected group of patients.

Cardiotoxicity and cancer: prudential judgment in medical practice

The objective of this paper is to propose a conceptual tool for consideration by medical professionals and cardiologists, based on the concept of prudential judgment or Aristotelian phronesis to confront the problems of cardiotoxicity resulting from cancer treatments. We start by analyzing the case of a young female patient who received two types of therapies: the first with anthracyclines (adriamycin), which produces type I damage, as stated in the consensus of 2014; and the second treatment, one month later, with trastuzumab, an agent that produces type II damage not dependent on dose. In this case, the patient manifested acute cardiac insufficiency, with a decrease of LVEF to 28% on the echocardiogram and to 27% on magnetic resonance imaging. Reports have indicated that treatment with beta blockers and the suspension or decrease of the dose limits damage, but during preclinical stages. Awareness and early attention to subclinical damage have thus become extremely relevant to substantiate treatments based not only on clinical evidence but also on the ability of medical professionals to rely on prudential judgment--which moves away from the medical practices that are developed on a daily basis in order to influence and reduce the cases of irreversible heart failure known as cardiotoxicity.

Metabolic dysfunction and obesity-related cancer: Results from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a group of risk factors that define metabolic dysfunction in adults, is strongly associated with obesity and is an emerging risk factor for cancer. However, the association of MetS and degree of metabolic dysfunction with obesity-related cancer is unknown.

METHODS

Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 1999 to 2018, we identified 528 obesity-related cancer cases and 18,972 cancer-free participants. MetS was defined as the presence of or treatment for ≥3 of hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-cholesterol, and abdominal obesity. A metabolic syndrome score (MSS) was computed as the total number of abnormal MetS parameters to determine the severity of metabolic dysfunction. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

About 45.7% of obesity-related cancer cases were classified as having MetS compared with only 33.0% of cancer-free participants. Overall, MetS and MSS were not associated with obesity-related cancer. However, MSS was associated with higher obesity-related cancer risk among participants under 50 years of age (OR [95% CI] = 1.28 [1.08-1.52]). When evaluating MSS categorically, compared with healthy participants with no abnormal MetS parameters (MSS = 0), participants with one or two abnormal parameters had a statistically significant higher risk of obesity-related cancer (OR [95% CI] = 1.73 [1.06-2.83]).

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic dysfunction is associated with a higher risk of obesity-related cancer, particularly in young adults under 50 years of age, and among participants with one or two abnormal metabolic parameters. A more accurate indicator of metabolic dysfunction, beyond metabolic syndrome, is needed to better assist in stratifying individuals for obesity-related cancer risk.

Chemotherapy Side-Effects: Not All DNA Damage Is Equal

Recent advances have increased survival rates of children and adults suffering from cancer thanks to effective anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy. However, during treatment and later in life they are frequently confronted with the severe negative side-effects of their life-saving treatment. The occurrence of numerous features of accelerated aging, seriously affecting quality of life, has now become one of the most pressing problems associated with (pediatric) cancer treatment. Chemotherapies frequently target and damage the DNA, causing mutations or genome instability, a major hallmark of both cancer and aging. However, there are numerous types of chemotherapeutic drugs that are genotoxic and interfere with DNA metabolism in different ways, each with their own biodistribution, kinetics, and biological fate. Depending on the type of DNA lesion produced (e.g., interference with DNA replication or RNA transcription), the organ or cell type inflicted (e.g., cell cycle or differentiation status, metabolic state, activity of clearance and detoxification mechanisms, the cellular condition or micro-environment), and the degree of exposure, outcomes of cancer treatment can largely differ. These considerations provide a conceptual framework in which different classes of chemotherapeutics contribute to the development of toxicities and accelerated aging of different organ systems. Here, we summarize frequently observed side-effects in (pediatric) ex-cancer patients and discuss which types of DNA damage might be responsible.

Neuraminidase1 Inhibitor Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Suppressing Drp1-Dependent Mitophagy

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin (DOX), are among the effective chemotherapeutic drugs for various malignancies. However, their clinical use is limited by irreversible cardiotoxicity. This study sought to determine the role of neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) in DOX-induced cardiomyopathy and the potential cardio-protective effects of NEU1 inhibitor oseltamivir (OSE). Male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control, DOX, and DOX + OSE. NEU1 was highly expressed in DOX-treated rat heart tissues compared with the control group, which was suppressed by OSE administration. Rats in the DOX + OSE group showed preserved cardiac function and were protected from DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. The beneficial effects of OSE were associated with the suppression of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-dependent mitochondrial fission and mitophagy. In detail, the elevated NEU1 in cardiomyocytes triggered by DOX increased the expression of Drp1, which subsequently enhanced mitochondrial fission and PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitophagy, leading to a maladaptive feedback circle towards myocardial apoptosis and cell death. OSE administration selectively inhibited the increased NEU1 in myocardial cells insulted by DOX, followed by reduction of Drp1 expression, inhibition of PINK1 stabilization on mitochondria, and Parkin translocation to mitochondria, thus alleviating excessive mitochondrial fission and mitophagy, alleviating subsequent development of cellular apoptotic process. This work identified NEU1 as a crucial inducer of DOX-induced cardiomyopathy by promoting Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission and mitophagy, and NEU1 inhibitor showed new indications of cardio-protection against DOX cardiotoxicity.

Intensive chemotherapy perturbs heart rate variability in children with cancer

OBJECTIVES

In children, cancer chemotherapy may impair the functioning of the cardiac autonomic nervous system. Moreover, it is not known whether there are any differences between intensive and maintenance phases of chemotherapy. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess autonomic nervous system activity using heart rate variability, in children receiving intensive or maintenance cancer chemotherapy.

METHODS

For that purpose, children who were healthy (healthy control, n = 30), receiving intensive chemotherapy (chemotherapy, n = 30), and receiving maintenance chemotherapy (maintenance, n = 25) were included in the study. Autonomic nervous system activity was measured by means of heart rate variability. Electrocardiogram recordings were used to calculate time- and frequency-domain heart rate variability parameters.

RESULTS

Time-domain parameters such as standard deviation of NN intervals and frequency-domain parameters such as total power were lower during the intensive chemotherapy but not during maintenance phase (standard deviation of NN intervals: 50±5, 33±3, and 48±3 ms, and total power: 2613±504, 1379±296 and 2295±264 ms², respectively for healthy control, chemotherapy and maintenance groups, P<0.001 for both standard deviation of NN intervals and total power).

DISCUSSION

The present results indicate that intensive chemotherapy perturbs the function of heart rate variability in children, with recovery during the maintenance phase. This suggests that intensive chemotherapy is likely to affect the autonomic nervous system but this effect does not appear to be permanent.

Cascade-Responsive Hierarchical Nanosystems for Multisite Specific Drug Exposure and Boosted Chemoimmunotherapy

The precise delivery of multiple drugs to their distinct destinations plays a significant role in safe and efficient combination therapy; however, it is highly challenging to simultaneously realize the targets and overcome the intricate biological hindrances using an all-in-one nanosystem. Herein, a cascade-responsive hierarchical nanosystem containing checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-L1 antibody (αPD-L1) and paclitaxel (PTX) is developed for spatially programed delivery of multiple drugs and simultaneously overcoming biological pathway barriers. The hierarchical nanoparticles (MPH-NP@A) are composed of pH-sensitive hyaluronic acid-acetal-PTX prodrugs (HA-ace-PTX(SH)) chaperoned by αPD-L1 and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)-responsive outer shells, which could be fast cleaved to release αPD-L1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The released αPD-L1 sequentially synergizes with PTX released in the cytoplasm for boosted chemoimmunotherapy due to direct killing of PTX and intensified immune responses through immunogenic cell death (ICD) as well as suppression of immune escape by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that MPH-NP@A evokes distinct ICD, enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocytes infiltration, as well as significant tumor inhibition, thus providing a promising therapeutic nano-platform for safe and efficient combination therapy.

A randomized trial to evaluate the impact of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer: ONCORE study protocol

Background

Anthracyclines and monoclonal antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) are frequently used to treat breast cancer but they are associated with risk of developing cardiotoxicity. Implementation of cardioprotective strategies as part of breast cancer treatment are needed. To date, a limited number of studies have examined the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs or exercise programs in the prevention of cardiotoxicity through an integral assessment of cardiac function. The ONCORE study proposes an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program as a non-pharmacological tool for the management of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods

The study protocol describes a prospective, randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether an intervention through an exercise-based CR program can effectively prevent cardiotoxicity induced by anthracyclines and/or anti-HER2 antibodies in women with breast cancer. Three hundred and forty women with breast cancer at early stages scheduled to receive cardiotoxic chemotherapy will be randomly assigned (1:1) to participation in an exercise-based CR program (intervention group) or to usual care and physical activity recommendation (control group). Primary outcomes include changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain as markers of cardiac dysfunction assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. Secondary outcomes comprise levels of cardiovascular biomarkers and cardiopulmonary function through peak oxygen uptake determination, physical performance and psychosocial status. Supervised exercise program-related outcomes including safety, adherence/compliance, expectations and physical exercise in- and out-of-hospital are studied as exploratory outcomes. Transthoracic echocardiography, clinical test and questionnaires will be performed at the beginning and two weeks after completion of chemotherapy.

Discussion

The growing incidence of breast cancer and the risk of cardiotoxicity derived from cancer treatments demand adjuvant cardioprotective strategies. The proposed study may determine if an exercise-based CR program is effective in minimizing chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in this population of women with early-stage breast cancer. The proposed research question is concrete, with relevant clinical implications, transferable to clinical practice and achievable with low risk.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03964142. Registered on 28 May 2019. Retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03964142

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-01970-2.

Cardio-Oncology: A Continually Evolving Subspecialty in Oncology Nursing

Cardio-oncology is a unique subspecialty within oncology nursing that focuses on the assessment, identification, and management of cardiotoxicity induced or exacerbated by cancer treatment. Nurses are pivotal to the delivery of evidence-based assessment of and care for individuals who have preexisting cardiac conditions, as well as those for whom cardiac complications are related to the known and emerging toxicities of cancer treatment.

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.

Increased resting heart rate and prognosis in treatment-naïve unselected cancer patients: results from a prospective observational study

AIMS

Cancer patients suffer from impaired cardiovascular function. Elevated resting heart rate (RHR) has been identified as a marker for increased long-term mortality in cancer patients prior to the receipt of anticancer treatment. We aimed to establish whether RHR is associated with survival in treatment-naïve cancer patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective study enrolled 548 unselected treatment-naïve cancer patients between 2011 and 2013. The median age of the cohort was 62 years; 40.9% were male and 32.7% had metastatic disease. Median RHR was 72 b.p.m. Most patients were in sinus rhythm (n = 507, 92.5%). Clinical heart failure was noted in 37 (6.8%) patients. RHR was not related to cancer stage (P = 0.504). Patients in the highest RHR tertile had higher levels of high-sensitivity troponin (P = 0.003) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (P = 0.039). During a median follow-up of 25 months (interquartile range: 16-32 months; range: 0-40 months), 185 (33.8%) patients died from any cause [1-year-mortality: 17%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13-20%]. In univariate survival analysis, RHR predicted all-cause mortality [crude hazard ratio (HR) for a 5 b.p.m. increase in RHR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15; P < 0.001], and remained significantly associated with outcome after adjustment for age, gender, tumour entity, tumour stage, cardiac status and haemoglobin (adjusted HR for a 5 b.p.m. increase in RHR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16; P < 0.001). There was no significant impact of metastatic/non-metastatic disease state on the predictive value of RHR (P = 0.433 for interaction). In subgroup analyses, the strongest associations for RHR with mortality were observed in lung (crude HR 1.14; P = 0.007) and gastrointestinal (crude HR 1.31; P < 0.001) cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment-naïve cancer patients with higher RHRs display higher levels of cardiovascular biomarkers. RHR was independently associated with all-cause mortality, especially in lung and gastrointestinal cancers. Elevated RHR and cardiovascular biomarkers may represent early signs of incipient cardiac dysfunction.

The performance of non-ECG gated chest CT for cardiac assessment - The cardiac pathologies in chest CT (CaPaCT) study

PURPOSE

Evaluating the prevalence of CAD on non-ECG gated chest CTs, image quality (IQ) and the clinical performance of the CAD-RADS classification for predicting cardiovascular events (CVE).

METHODS

215 consecutive patients referred for chest CTs between May 2016 and March 2018 were included (3rd-generation DSCT) using non-ECG gated acquisitions with automated tube voltage selection (110kV_qual.ref/40mAs_qual.ref), pitch 2.65-3.0 and individualized contrast media injection protocols. Dedicated cardiac post-processing reconstructions (0.6 mm/0.4 mm/Kernel Bv36) were added to standard chest reconstructions. Two independent cardiac radiologists performed a 3-step analysis. In case of discrepancy, a third reader gave the final decision. Step 1: visual presence of calcifications; 2: scans with calcifications assessed for IQ using a 5-point Likert scale (poor/sufficient/moderate/good/excellent); 3: stenosis severity was analysed in detail (if Likert sufficient-excellent using CAD-RADS). Electronic patient files were checked to see if pathology was previously mentioned (incidental) and whether patients developed an CVE during follow-up.

RESULTS

1: Calcifications were present in 156/215 cases (72.6 %), 74 of these were incidental. 2: In 68/156 (43.6 %) patients with calcifications IQ was rated sufficient-excellent. 3: CAD-RADS≥3 was seen in 39/68 patients (57.4 %), 12 times (30.8 %) findings were incidental. During follow-up (median 16 [0-35] months), 7/39 (18 %) patients with CAD-RADS≥3 developed a CVE. 17 patients died during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Coronary calcification on non ECG-gated chest CTs was detected in 72.6 % of patients, cardiac assessment was feasible in nearly half of these patients. Only patients with a CAD-RADS≥3 developed CVE, therefore the CAD-RADS may help identify and guide patients at risk of future CVE.

Arterial hypertension in patients under antineoplastic therapy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cardio-oncology aims to mitigate adverse cardiovascular manifestations in cancer survivors, but treatment-induced hypertension or aggravated hypertension has received less attention in these high cardiovascular risk patients.

METHODS

In this systematic review, we searched literature for contemporary data on the prevalence, pathophysiologic mechanisms, treatment implications and preventive strategies of hypertension in patients under antineoplastic therapy.

RESULTS

Several classes of antineoplastic drugs, including mainly vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, cisplatin derivatives, corticosteroids or radiation therapy were consistently associated with increased odds for new-onset hypertension or labile hypertensive status in previous controlled patients. Moreover, hypertension constitutes a major risk factor for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, which is the most serious cardiovascular adverse effect of antineoplastic therapy. Despite the heterogeneity of pooled studies, the pro-hypertensive profile of examined drug classes could be attributed to common structural and functional disorders. Importantly, certain antihypertensive drugs are considered to be more effective in the management of hypertension in this population and may partially attenuate indirect complications of cancer treatment, such as progressive development of cardiomyopathy and/or cardiovascular death. Nonpharmacological approaches to alleviate hypertension in cancer patients are also described, albeit adjudicated as less effective in general.

CONCLUSION

A growing body of evidence suggests that multiple antineoplastic agents increase the rate of progression of hypertension. Physicians need to balance the life-saving cancer treatment and the inflated risk of adverse cardiovascular events due to suboptimal management of hypertension in order to achieve improved clinical outcomes and sustained survival for their patients.

The role of metabolic diseases in cardiotoxicity associated with cancer therapy: What we know, what we would know

Metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, are known risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Thus, patients with those comorbidities could be at increased risk of experiencing cardiotoxicity related to treatment with Anthracyclines and the other new generation targeted anticancer drugs. However, investigations addressing the mechanisms underlying the development of CV complications and poor outcome in such cohort of patients are still few and controversial. Given the importance of a personalized approach against chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, this review summarizes our current knowledge on the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy and its association with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Along with clinical evidences, future perspectives of preclinical research around this field and its role in addressing important open questions, including the development of more proactive strategies for prevention, and treatment of cardiotoxicity during and after chemotherapy in the presence of metabolic diseases, is also presented.

Cardiovascular mortality among chronic myeloid leukemia patients in the pre-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and TKI eras: a surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) analysis

Despite remarkable efficacy, there is an emerging concern regarding TKI-associated cardiovascular toxicity in CML. Long term follow-up studies on association between TKI therapy and cardiovascular outcome have been limited. CML patients were accessed from the SEER 18 database from 1992 to 2011. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) specific mortality was calculated comparing the pre-TKI era to the TKI era using the Fine-Gray competing risk model. Overall, the TKI era was associated with a reduced cardiovascular mortality compared with the pre-TKI era (HR = 0.72; 95%CI, 0.59-0.89). Our results argue for continued aggressive screening, identification and management of cardiovascular risk factors among all CML patients, especially the elderly, and further investigation into specific mechanisms, factors and predictors of risks in TKI-treated CML.

Vascular Disrupting Agents in cancer treatment: Cardiovascular toxicity and implications for co-administration with other cancer chemotherapeutics

Destruction of the established tumour vasculature by a class of compound termed Vascular Disrupting Agents (VDAs) is showing considerable promise as a viable approach for the management of solid tumours. VDAs induce a rapid shutdown and collapse of tumour blood vessels, leading to ischaemia and consequent necrosis of the tumour mass. Their efficacy is hindered by the persistence of a viable rim of tumour cells, supported by the peripheral normal vasculature, necessitating their co-administration with additional chemotherapeutics for maximal therapeutic benefit. However, a major limitation for the use of many cancer therapeutics is the development of life-threatening cardiovascular toxicities, with significant consequences for treatment response and the patient's quality of life. The aim of this review is to outline VDAs as a cancer therapeutic approach and define the mechanistic basis of cardiovascular toxicities of current chemotherapeutics, with the overall objective of discussing whether VDA combinations with specific chemotherapeutic classes would be good or bad in terms of cardiovascular toxicity.

Heart volume reduction during radiotherapy involving the thoracic region in children: An unexplained phenomenon

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Radiotherapy involving the thoracic region is associated with cardiotoxicity in long-term childhood cancer survivors. We quantified heart volume changes during radiotherapy in children (<18 years) and investigated correlations with patient and treatment related characteristics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2010 and 2016, 34 children received radiotherapy involving the thoracic region. We delineated heart contours and measured heart volumes on 114 CBCTs. Relative volume changes were quantified with respect to the volume on the first CBCT (i.e., 100%). Cardiac radiation dose parameters expressed as 2 Gy/fraction equivalent doses were calculated from DVHs. Chemotherapy was categorized as treatment with anthracyclines, alkylating agents, vinca-alkaloids, and other.

RESULTS

The overall median heart volume reduction from the first to the last CBCT was 5.5% (interquartile range1.6-9.7%; p < 0.001). Heart volumes decreased significantly between the baseline measurement and the first week (Bonferroni's adjusted p = 0.002); volume changes were not significant during the following weeks. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between heart volume reduction and alkylating agents; however, no multivariate analyses could be done to further confirm this.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a significant heart volume reduction in children during radiotherapy. Elucidation of underlying mechanisms, clinical relevance, and possible long-term consequences of early heart volume reduction require a prospective follow-up study.

The role of standard non-ECG gated chest CT in cardiac assessment: design and rationale of the Cardiac Pathologies in standard chest CT (CaPaCT) study

Modern high-performance computed tomography (CT) scanners with improved scan acquisition times now allow for routine assessment of cardiac pathologies on chest CTs, which can result in numerous incidental cardiac findings. The CaPaCT study, an observer blinded, single-centre study, aims to assess the visibility, management and possible clinical impact of incidental cardiac pathologies that are now becoming visible on standard chest CTs. A total of 217 consecutive patients referred for a chest CT on a high-performance third-generation dual-source CT scanner will be included. Tube voltage settings will be chosen via automated kV selection. Dedicated cardiac reconstructions will be added to the standard post-processing: 0.6-mm slice thickness, 0.4-mm increment and Bv36 kernel (iterative reconstruction/strength 3). Primary endpoints will be the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) assessed via a 17-segment model. These data will be collected and analysed by two experienced, blinded cardiac radiologists. Furthermore, information on aortic and mitral valve morphology/calcification and pericardial abnormalities will be collected. The CAD Reporting and Data System classification will subsequently be used to assess the management and possible clinical burden of any incidentally detected CAD. Additionally, objective and subjective image quality (attenuation, contrast-to-noise, signal-to-noise and 5-point Likert scale) of the obtained cardiac reconstructions will be assessed.

Temporal changes in treatments and outcomes after acute myocardial infarction among cancer survivors and patients without cancer, 1995 to 2013

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of information about treatment and mortality trends after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) for cancer survivors (CS).

METHODS

In this population-based study, the authors compared temporal trends of treatments and outcomes (mortality, nonfatal cardiovascular outcomes), among CS and patients without cancer (the noncancer patient [NCP] group) with AMI in Ontario (Canada) using inverse probability treatment weight (IPTW)-adjusted modeling.

RESULTS

Of 270,089 patients with AMI (22,907 CS, 247,182 NCP, 1995-2013; median follow-up, 10.1 and 11.0 years, respectively), the use of invasive coronary strategies and pharmacotherapies increased and mortality declined for CS and NCP (all Ptrend  < .001). At 30 days after AMI, there was no difference between CS and NCP in the receipt of coronary angiography (incidence risk ratio [IRR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.01; P = .23), percutaneous coronary intervention (IRR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.94-1.02; P = .29), or bypass (IRR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85-1.02; P = .11). At 90 days after AMI, there was no difference in the receipt of β-blockers, clopidogrel, or nitrates; but CS were less often prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins. CS had higher all-cause mortality at 30 days (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.17; P < .001), at 1 year (1.16; 95% CI, 1.12-1.20; P < .001), and long term (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.17-1.25; P < .001) and had a greater risk of heart failure (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14; P = .001), but not myocardial re-infarction (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95-1.01; P = .22) or stroke (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97-1.16; P = .18).

CONCLUSIONS

Among CS and NCP with AMI in Ontario, similar improvements in mortality and receipt of treatments were observed between 1995 and 2013. However, compared with NCP, CS had a higher risk of mortality and heart failure. Cancer 2018;124:1269-78. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Investigation of the preventive effect of Sijunzi decoction on mitomycin C-induced immunotoxicity in rats by 1H NMR and MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is a well known traditional Chinese prescription used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and immunity enhancement. It has been found to indeed improve life quality of chemotherapy patients and extensive used in clinical conbined with chemotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of the immunotoxicity of SJZD on mitomycin C (MMC) and the metabolic mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NMR and MS-based metabolomics approaches were combined for monitoring MMC-induced immunotoxicity and the protective effect of SJZD. Body weight change and mortality, histopathological observations and relative viscera weight determinations of spleen and thymus, sternum micronucleus assay and hematological analysis were used to confirm the immunotoxicity and attenuation effects. An OPLS-DA approach was used to screen potential biomarkers of immunotoxicity and the MetaboAnalyst and KEGG PATHWAY Database were used to investigate the metabolic pathways.

RESULTS

8 biomarkers in plasma samples, 19 in urine samples and 10 in spleen samples were identified as being primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism. The most critical pathway was alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The variations in biomarkers revealed the preventive effect of the immunotoxicity of SJZD on MMC and significant for speculating the possible metabolic mechanism.

Assessment of the cardiac safety between cetuximab and panitumumab as single therapy in Chinese chemotherapy-refractory mCRC

OBJECTIVE

The cardiac safety of cetuximab and panitumumab, particularly as single agents, has not been investigated extensively. This trial was designed to specifically evaluate the cardiac safety of cetuximab and panitumumab as single therapy in Chinese chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-one patients received cetuximab at an initial dose of 400 mg/m² intravenously over 120 minutes on day 1 (week 1), followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg/m² intravenously over 60 minutes on day 1 of each 7-day cycle. Forty-three patients received panitumumab at a dose of 6 mg/kg intravenously every 14 days. Routine laboratory tests and electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed at baseline, during therapy and after the treatment (4th and 10th months). The incidence of elevation of troponin I ultra (TNI Ultra), abnormal ECGs, cardiac events and noncardiac adverse events (AEs) were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of elevation of TNI Ultra between the two groups had no significance (p=0.681), and TNI Ultra+ was observed more frequently in patients with metastases to more than three organs and they received fourth or above lines of chemotherapy. The most frequent abnormal ECG manifestations were nonspecific ST changes and QTc prolongation in the two groups. At 10 months after treatment, most of the abnormal ECG manifestations were reversed. The most common cardiac AEs of cetuximab and panitumumab included palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain and arrhythmias requiring treatment. Most of the events were mild and transient. The incidence of cardiac AEs had no significant difference between the two groups. Rash was still the most common noncardiac AE in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Cetuximab and panitumumab showed favorable cardiac safety as single agents for Chinese chemotherapy-refractory mCRC patients. But monitoring for cardiac AEs is still necessary throughout the entire treatment process.

Immune response proteins as predictive biomarkers of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients

Cancer treatment with doxorubicin (DOX) can induce cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers that can identify patients at risk during the initial doses of chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to examine plasma cytokines/chemokines and potential cardiovascular biomarkers for the prediction of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Plasma samples were collected before (T0), and after the first (T1) and the second (T2) cycles of DOX-based chemotherapy of 27 breast cancer patients, including five patients who presented with >10% decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), five patients with LVEF decline of 5-10%, and 17 patients who maintained normal LVEF at the end of chemotherapy (240 mg/m² cumulative dose of DOX from four cycles of treatment). Multiplex immunoassays were used to screen plasma samples for 40 distinct chemokines, nine matrix metalloproteinases, 33 potential markers of cardiovascular diseases, and the fourth-generation cardiac troponin T assay. The results showed that the patients with abnormal decline of LVEF (>10%) had lower levels of CXCL6 and sICAM-1 and higher levels of CCL23 and CCL27 at T0; higher levels of CCL23 and lower levels of CXCL5, CCL26, CXCL6, GM-CSF, CXCL1, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-8, CXCL11, CXCL9, CCL17, and CCL25 at T1; and higher levels of MIF and CCL23 at T2 than the patients who maintained normal LVEF. Patients with LVEF decline of 5-10% had lower plasma levels of CXCL1, CCL3, GDF-15, and haptoglobin at T0; lower levels of IL-16, FABP3, and myoglobin at T1; and lower levels of myoglobin and CCL23 at T2 as compared to the patients who maintained normal LVEF. This pilot study identified potential biomarkers that may help predict which patients are vulnerable to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity although further validation is needed in a larger cohort of patients. Impact statement Drug-induced cardiotoxicity is one of the major concerns in drug development and clinical practice. It is critical to detect potential cardiotoxicity early before onset of symptomatic cardiac dysfunction or heart failure. Currently there are no qualified clinical biomarkers for the prediction of cardiotoxicity caused by cancer treatment such as doxorubicin (DOX). By using multiplex immunoassays, we identified proteins with significantly changed plasma levels in a group of breast cancer patients who were treated with DOX-based chemotherapy and produced cardiotoxicity. These proteins were associated with immune response and were identified before DOX treatment or at early doses of treatment, thus they could be potential predictive biomarkers of cardiotoxicity although further validation is required to warrant their clinical values.

The cardiotoxicity of cetuximab as single therapy in Chinese chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients

The cardiac safety of cetuximab, particularly as single approach, has not been investigated extensively. This trial was designed to evaluate the cardiac safety of cetuximab as salvage monotherapy in Chinese chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.Cetuximab was administrated at an initial dose of 400 mg/mon day 1 (week 1), followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg/m on day 1 of each 7-day cycle. Electrocardiograph (ECG), routine laboratory tests, and troponin I (TNI) Ultra were performed at baseline, during, and after the cetuximab therapy. The incidence of abnormal ECGs, elevated TNI Ultra, cardiac events, and noncardiac events were recorded and analyzed.TNI Ultra+ was found in 20 patients (32.3%) during the cetuximab therapy.TNI Ultra+ occurred more frequently in patients with more than 3 organs affected and accepted fourth or above lines of chemotherapy. The most frequent abnormal ECG was ST depression in 24 (38.7%) patients. The elevated TNI Ultra and abnormal ECGs could recover after the cetuximab therapy. The most of cardiac adverse events were mild and transient and the noncardiac adverse events were also consistent with the known safety profile for cetuximab.Cetuximab showed its cardiac safety as a single agent for chemotherapy-refractory mCRC patients. And TNI Ultra and ECG could be sensitive and convenient approaches for the surveillance of adverse events.

Biomarkers for monitoring chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity, including acute and late-onset cardiotoxicity, is a well-known adverse effect of many types of antitumor agents. Early identification of patients with cardiotoxicity is important to ensure prompt treatment and minimize toxic effects. The etiology of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is multifactorial. Traditional methods for assessment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity typically involve serial measurements of cardiac function via multi-modality imaging techniques. Typically, however, significant left ventricular dysfunction has already occurred when cardiotoxicity is detected by imaging techniques. Biomarkers, most importantly cardiac natriuretic peptides and troponins, are promising markers for identifying patients potentially at risk for clinical heart failure symptoms. This review summarizes the recent progress in clinical utilization of biomarkers for early diagnosis of acute cardiotoxicity and for prediction of late-onset cardiotoxicity. We also discuss the conflicting results of different studies and the association of results with study design.

Exercise Recommendations for the Management of Symptoms Clusters Resulting From Cancer and Cancer Treatments

OBJECTIVE

To review existing exercise guidelines for cancer patients and survivors for the management of symptom clusters.

DATA SOURCES

Review of PubMed literature and published exercise guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Cancer and its treatments are responsible for a copious number of incapacitating symptoms that markedly impair quality of life. The exercise oncology literature provides consistent support for the safety and efficacy of exercise interventions in managing cancer- and treatment-related symptoms, as well as improving quality of life in cancer patients and survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Effective management of symptoms enhances recovery, resumption of normal life activities and quality of life for patients and survivors. Exercise is a safe, appropriate, and effective therapeutic option before, during, and after the completion of treatment for alleviating symptoms and symptom clusters.

Rationale and design of the multidisciplinary team IntervenTion in cArdio-oNcology study (TITAN)

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. In the last decade, important gains in cancer survival have been achieved by advances in adjuvant treatment. However, many oncologic treatments also result in cardiovascular "toxicity". Furthermore, cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus are known to contribute to the progression of cardiac damage and clinical cardiotoxicity. As such, for many survivors, the risk of death from cardiac disease exceeds that of recurrent cancer. While provision of care by multidisciplinary teams has been shown to reduce mortality and hospitalizations among heart failure patients, the effect of assessments and interventions by multidisciplinary specialists in cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy regimens is currently unknown. Accordingly, we will examine the effect of a multi-disciplinary team interventions in the early assessment, identification and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in cancer patients receiving adjuvant systemic therapy. Our main hypothesis is to determine if the incidence of LV dysfunction in cancer patients undergoing adjuvant therapy can be reduced through a multidisciplinary team approach.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a randomized study comparing intensive multidisciplinary team intervention to usual care in the prevention of LV remodeling in patients receiving anthracycline or trastuzumab-based chemotherapy. Main objectives include early detection strategies for cardiotoxicity using novel biomarkers that reflect myocardial injury, remodeling and/or dysfunction; early identification and intensive treatment of cardiovascular risk factors; and early intervention with supportive care strategies including nutritional and pharmacist counselling, exercise training and cardiology team support. Secondary objectives include correlation of novel biomarkers to clinical outcomes; correlation of multidisciplinary interventions to adverse clinical outcomes; relationship of multidisciplinary interventions and chemotherapy dose density; preservation of lean muscle mass; and patient reported outcomes (symptom intensity and quality of life).

DISCUSSION

Cardiac toxicity as a result of cancer therapies is now recognized as a significant health problem of increasing prevalence. To our knowledge, TITAN will be the first randomized trial examining the utility of multidisciplinary team care in the prevention of cardiotoxicity. We expect our results to inform comprehensive and holistic care for patients at risk for negative cancer therapy mediated sequelae.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01621659 Registration Date 4 June 2012.

[Late cardiotoxicity of high-dose chemotherapy according to the modified NHL-BFM-90 program in adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

AIM

To evaluate the late cardiotoxicity (CT) of high-dose chemotherapy (CT) according to the modified NHL-BFM-90 (mNHL-BFM-90) protocol in adult patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The results of electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (echoCG) were analyzed in 40 DLBCL patients treated according to the mNHL-BFM-90 program in the Hematology Research Center (HRC), Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (RAMS), in 2002 to 2009. A study group consisted of 20 men and 20 women whose age was 31 to 76 years; median age was 56.5 years at the time of their examination and the median follow-up time after therapy was 6 years. The individual cumulative dose of doxorubicin was 150-300 mg/M2. A comparison group included 19 patients receiving CHOP/R-CHOP CT in HRC, RAMS, in 2002 to 2009. Out of them, there were 8 men and 11 women whose age was 39 to 78 years median age was 70 years at the time of their examination. The individual cumulative dose of doxorubicin was 200-400 mg/M2. ECG and echoCG were carried out before and 5 years or more after CT.

RESULTS

Out of the 40 patients with DLBCL, the signs of subclinical cardiomyopathy (CMP) were detected in 24 (60%) patients; no clinical manifestations of congestive heart failure (CHF) were found in any patient. In the comparison group of 19 patients receiving CHOP/R-CHOP CT, 14 (74%) patients were found to have signs of subclinical CMP and no clinical signs of CHF. The summary toxicity index significantly depended on age (p=0.03) and a history of heart disease (p=0.3); it was significantly higher after CHOP/R-CHOP CT (p=0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship of the risk of subclinical CMP to the history of heart diseases (p=0.05).

CONCLUSION

Late cardiotoxicity of the mNHL-BFM-90 program does not exceed the toxicity of standard CHOP/R-CHOP therapy. Post-CT Echo-CG and ECG findings showed that the patients with the most marked subclinical signs of CMP in both groups had cardiotoxicity risk factors, such as coronary heart disease, hypertensive disease, or diabetes in their history. No clinically significant CHF was identified in any patient.

Cardioprotective effect of metformin against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in rats

Objective:

The clinical use of doxorubicin, which is a strong antineoplastic agent, is limited due to its cardiotoxic side effects. Metformin is a drug with antihyperglycemic effects, and it has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect on left ventricular function in experimental animal models of myocardial ischemia. The present study investigated the cardioprotective effect of metformin in rats with doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.

Methods:

Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Forty male, 10-week-old Wistar albino rats were randomly divided four groups. The control group rats were intraperitoneally administered saline solution twice a week, four doses in total. The doxorubicin group rats received doxorubicin (4 mg/kg, twice a week, cumulative dose: 16 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The metformin group rats received metformin (250 mg/kg/day, every day for 14 days) via gavage. The doxorubicin + metformin group rats received doxorubicin and metformin at the same dose. Left ventricular functions were evaluated by using M-mode echocardiography one day after the last dose of doxorubicin. Heart tissue samples were histopathologically examined. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected using in situ terminal deoxynucleotide transferase assay (TUNEL). Serum brain natriuretic peptide and C-type natriuretic peptide levels were measured. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were analyzed in the heart tissue. The assumptions of equality of variances and normal distribution were checked for all variables (Shapiro-Wilk test and Q-Q graphics). To identify intergroup differences, one-way variant analysis or the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. A p<0.05 value was accepted as statistically significant.

Results:

Our results showed that doxorubicin treatment caused significant deterioration in left ventricular functions by echocardiography, histological heart tissue damage, and increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Doxorubicin + metformin group showed protection in left ventricular function, elimination of histopathologic change, and reduced of cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Conclusion:

The present study provided evidence that metformin has cardioprotective effects against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.

Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on mitomycin C-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in rat kidney and heart tissues

Mitomycin C (MMC) is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of several human malignancies. Nevertheless, the prolonged use of the drug may result in a serious heart and kidney injuries. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has recently been shown to exert an important cytoprotective effect in experimental brain injury and ischemic acute renal failure. The aim of the present work is to investigate the cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of rhEPO against MMC-induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity. Our results showed that MMC induced oxidative stress and DNA damage. rhEPO administration in any treatment conditions decreased oxidative damage induced by MMC. It reduced malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels. rhEPO ameliorated reduced glutathione plus oxidized glutathione modulation and the increased catalase activity after MMC treatment. Furthermore, rhEPO restored DNA damage caused by MMC. We concluded that rhEPO administration especially in pretreatment condition protected rats against MMC-induced heart and renal oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

Reduction of heart volume during neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with resectable esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) followed by surgery is considered curative intent treatment for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The aim was to establish hemodynamic aspects of changes in heart volume and to explore whether changes in heart volume resulted in clinically relevant changes in the dose distribution of radiotherapy.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in patients who were treated with nCRT consisting of carboplatin and paclitaxel concomitant with radiotherapy (41.4 Gy/1.8 Gy per fraction). Physical parameters, cardiac volume on CT and Cone beam CT, cardiac blood markers and cardiac ultrasound were obtained.

RESULTS

In 23 patients a significant decrease of 55.3 ml in heart volume was detected (95% CI 36.7-73.8 ml, p<0.001). There was a decrease in both systolic (mean decrease 18 mmHg, 95% CI 11-26 mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean decrease 8 mmHg, 95% CI 2-14 mmHg, p=0.008) and an increase in heart rate with 6 beats/min (95% CI 1-11 beats/min, p=0.021). Except for Troponin T, no change in other cardiac markers and echocardiography parameters were observed. The change in heart volume did not result in a clinically relevant change in radiation dose distribution.

CONCLUSION

Heart volume was significantly reduced, but was not accompanied by overt cardiac dysfunction. All observed changes in hemodynamic parameters are consistent with volume depletion. Adaptation of the treatment plan during the course of radiotherapy is not advocated.

Clinical safety of chemotherapy for elderly cancer patients complicated with hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To access the safety of chemotherapy for elderly cancer patients complicated with hypertension.

METHODS

Elderly cancer patients who were complicated with hypertension and treated by chemotherapy were recruited. All patients were treated by chemotherapy after an intervention on hypertension by psychotherapy, exercise guidance, salt regulation and nutrition support, therapy on hypertension, as well as prevention on hypertension associated complications.

RESULTS

In 68 eligible patients, two suspended chemotherapy because of adverse reactions and 4 because of disease progression. The remaining 62 patients completed chemotherapy smoothly based on good hypertension control.

CONCLUSION

With effective control of blood pressure, chemotherapy for elderly cancer patients complicated with hypertension is generally safe.

Role of recombinant human erythropoietin against mitomycin C-induced cardiac, hepatic and renal dysfunction in Wistar rats

Mitomycin C (MMC) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the dose of MMC is greatly limited by its toxicity in normal tissues. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), an erythropoietic hormone, has also been shown to exert tissue protective effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of rhEPO against MMC-induced heart, liver, and renal dysfunction. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (with six animals each), namely control, rhEPO alone group, MMC alone group, and rhEPO + MMC group (pre-, co-, and posttreatment conditions). The results showed that MMC induced a marked cardiac, renal, and liver failure characterized by a significant decrease in body weight, organs weight, and organs ratio and a significant increase in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and conjugated and total bilirubin levels in serum. Histological examination showed that MMC caused liver alterations. rhEPO treatment restored body weight, organs weight, and organs ratio as well as serum biochemical parameters and histological damage caused by MMC exposure.

Noninvasive imaging of cardiovascular injury related to the treatment of cancer

The introduction of multiple treatments for cancer, including chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, has significantly reduced cancer-related morbidity and mortality. However, these therapies can promote a variety of toxicities, among the most severe being the ones involving the cardiovascular system. Currently, for many surviving cancer patients, cardiovascular (CV) events represent the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent data suggest that CV injury occurs early during cancer treatment, creating a substrate for subsequent cardiovascular events. Researchers have investigated the utility of noninvasive imaging strategies to detect the presence of CV injury during and after completion of cancer treatment because it starts early during cancer therapy, often preceding the development of chemotherapy or cancer therapeutics related cardiac dysfunction. In this State-of-the-Art Paper, we review the utility of current clinical and investigative CV noninvasive modalities for the identification and characterization of cancer treatment-related CV toxicity.

Cardiac effects of anticancer therapy in the elderly

Cancer incidence increases with age, and as life expectancy increases, the number of elderly patients with cancer is increasing. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have significant short- and long-term effects on cardiovascular function. These cardiotoxic effects can be acute, such as changes in electrocardiogram (ECG), arrhythmias, ischemia, and pericarditis and/or myocarditis-like syndromes, or they can be chronic, such as ventricular dysfunction. Anticancer therapies can also have indirect effects, such as alterations in blood pressure, or can cause metabolic abnormalities that subsequently increase risk for cardiac events. In this review, we explore both observational and clinical trial evidence of cardiac risk in the elderly. In both observational and clinical trial data, risk of cardiotoxicity with anthracycline-based chemotherapy increases with age. However, it is less clear whether the association between age and cardiotoxicity exists for newer treatments. The association may not be well demonstrated as a result of under-representation of elderly patients in clinical trials and avoidance of these therapies in this population. In addition, we discuss strategies for surveillance and prevention of cardiotoxicity in the elderly. In the elderly, it is important to be aware of the potential for cardiotoxicity during long-term follow-up and to consider both prevention and surveillance of these late effects.

Incidence of new-onset hypertension in cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study

This retrospective cohort study was conducted to estimate incidence rates of new-onset hypertension in adult cancer patients identified from the Varian Medical Oncology outpatient database. Incidence rates of increasing levels of hypertension severity were calculated overall and for periods of chemotherapy exposure and nonexposure. Cox models sought predictors of new-onset hypertension severity among baseline and chemotherapy exposure variables. New-onset hypertension was observed in about one-third of 25,090 patients with various cancer types. The incidence rates (IR) of severe and crisis-level hypertension, respectively, were the highest in patients with gastric (18.5 cases per 100 person-years (PY), 5.6 per 100 PY) and ovarian cancer (20.2 per 100 PY, 4.8 per 100 PY). The highest IR of moderate hypertension was observed in patients with renal cancer (46.7 per 100 PY). Across all cancers, chemotherapy exposure was associated with a 2–3.5-fold increase in risk of any degree of hypertension compared to periods of no chemotherapy; higher hypertension levels showed greater variability in relative risks by type and line of therapy but indicated an overall increase associated with chemotherapy exposure. These results help to elucidate the factors influencing HTN among cancer patients and the incidence of HTN relative to chemotherapy exposure.