Lower cutaneous microvascular reactivity in adult cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Local heating-induced cutaneous vasodilation in reinnervated and noninnervated deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps

INTRODUCTION

Cutaneous vascular reactivity to local heating in free flaps has not been characterized. We aimed to assess local heating-induced cutaneous vasodilation in reinnervated and noninnervated deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 21 female patients with an uncomplicated unilateral delayed DIEP breast reconstruction at least 2 years after surgery. DIEP flaps and contralateral breasts were subjected to direct local heating, and skin blood flow was assessed using laser-Doppler flowmetry. To evaluate sensory-nerve-fiber function, touch perception thresholds were assessed using a 20-piece Touch-test™ Sensory Evaluator, and cutaneous warm detection and heat pain thresholds were measured using a TSA-II device.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 10 had a reinnervated DIEP flap with a single coapted nerve (mean flap weight, 610 ± 296 g) and 11 had a noninnervated DIEP flap (mean flap weight, 613 ± 169 g). Mean age was 58 ± 11 years, mean follow-up time was 5 ± 1 years, and mean BMI was 24 ± 3 kg/m2 . DIEP flaps exhibited significantly weaker cutaneous vasodilation in response to local heating than contralateral breasts (median peak skin blood flow, 59 [25th-75th percentile, 36-71] a.u. for DIEP flaps versus 94 [74-141] a.u. for contralateral breasts; p < .001). The magnitude of the response was similar between reinnervated and noninnervated flaps (median peak skin blood flow, 55 [25th-75th percentile, 39-68] a.u. for reinnervated DIEP flaps versus 66 [36-77] a.u. for noninnervated DIEP flaps; p = .75). Of participants with reinnervated DIEP flaps, 90% perceived heat pain below the 50°C safety threshold, as compared to 36% of participants with noninnervated DIEP flaps (two-tailed p = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that free flap transfer causes longstanding impairment, yet not complete abolition, of both the sensory nerve-mediated and nitric oxide-dependent local heating-induced cutaneous vasodilatory systems. We found no statistical evidence that flap reinnervation improves the ability to raise skin blood flow in response to local heating.

Impaired microvascular reactivity in patients treated with 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy regimens: Potential role of endothelial dysfunction

Background

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the second most common cancer chemotherapy associated with short- and long-term cardiotoxicity. Although the mechanisms mediating these toxicities are not well understood, patients often present with symptoms suggestive of microvascular dysfunction. We tested the hypotheses that patients undergoing cancer treatment with 5-FU based chemotherapy regimens would present with impaired microvascular reactivity and that these findings would be substantiated by decrements in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in 5-FU treated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC).

Methods

We first performed a cross-sectional analysis of 30 patients undergoing 5-FU based chemotherapy treatment for cancer (5-FU) and 32 controls (CON) matched for age, sex, body mass index, and prior health history (excluding cancer). Cutaneous microvascular reactivity was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry in response to endothelium-dependent (local skin heating; acetylcholine iontophoresis, ACh) and -independent (sodium nitroprusside iontophoresis, SNP) stimuli. In vitro experiments in HCAEC were completed to assess the effects of 5-FU on eNOS gene expression.

Results

5-FU presented with diminished microvascular reactivity following eNOS-dependent local heating compared to CON (P = 0.001). Iontophoresis of the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME failed to alter the heating response in 5-FU (P = 0.95), despite significant reductions in CON (P = 0.03). These findings were corroborated by lower eNOS gene expression in 5-FU treated HCAEC (P < 0.01) compared to control. Peak vasodilation to ACh (P = 0.58) nor SNP (P = 0.39) were different between groups.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest diminished microvascular function along the eNOS-NO vasodilatory pathway in patients with cancer undergoing treatment with 5-FU-based chemotherapy regimens and thus, may provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of 5-FU cardiotoxicity.

Efficacy of exercise training for improving vascular dysfunction in people with cancer: a systematic review with meta-analyses

PURPOSE

Cancer treatments exert vascular toxic effects that can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. Exercise training has the potential to prevent or reduce cancer treatment-induced damage to vascular structure and function. This systematic review with meta-analyses aimed to determine the isolated effects of exercise training on vascular outcomes in people with cancer.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched on 20 September 2021 to identify randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised trials, pilot and cohort studies. Included studies implemented a structured exercise intervention and assessed vascular structure and/or function in people during or following cancer treatment. Meta-analyses examined the effects of exercise training on endothelial function (via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) and arterial stiffness (via pulse wave velocity). Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Quality Assessment tool and modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Appraisal tool. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

Ten studies (discussed across 11 articles) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of the included studies was moderate (71% average). Exercise improved vascular function when compared to control (standardised mean difference = 0.34, 95% CI (0.01, 0.67); p = 0.044: studies = 5, participants = 171), but not pulse wave velocity (standardised mean difference = - 0.64, 95% CI (- 1.29, 0.02); p = 0.056: studies = 4, participants = 333). The certainty of evidence was moderate for flow-mediated dilation and low for pulse wave velocity.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to usual care, exercise training significantly improves flow-mediated dilation (endothelial function) but not pulse wave analysis, in people treated for cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Exercise may improve vascular health in individuals during and following cancer treatment.

Endothelial dysfunction as a complication of anti-cancer therapy

Recent strides in anti-cancer therapeutics have improved longevity and led to a growing population of cancer survivors, who are increasingly likely to die of other causes. Treatment-induced cardiotoxicity is a complication of several therapeutic agents with acute and long-term consequences for cancer patients. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is a precursor and hallmark of ischemic coronary disease and may play a role in anti-cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity. This review summarizes clinical evidence for endothelial dysfunction following anti-cancer therapy and extends the discussion to include the impact of therapeutic agents on conduit arteries and the microcirculation. We highlight the role of innate immune system activation and cross-talk between inflammation and oxidative stress as pathogenic mechanisms underlying anti-cancer therapy-induced vascular toxicity. Understanding the impact of anti-cancer agents on the vascular endothelium will inform therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse treatment-induced cardiotoxicity and may serve as an important tool to predict, monitor, and prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing treatment.

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

Objectives

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Usefulness of cyclic thermal therapy and red blood cell scintigraphy in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Background

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been used to treat patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). However, the effect of therapies in cancer patients has yet to be investigated comprehensively. We hypothesized that cyclic thermal therapy would improve blood flow and microcirculation and improve the symptoms driven by CIPN.

Methods

The criteria of assessment were blood volume in region of interest (ROI) in the images, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 questionnaire scores. The blood volume was quantified by using red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy. All patients were treated 10 times during 10 days. The thermal stimulations, between 15° and 41°, were repeatedly delivered to the patient's hands.

Results

The total score of the questionnaires, the score of questions related to the upper limbs, the score of questions closely related to the upper limbs, and the score excluding the upper limbs questions was decreased. The blood volume was decreased, and the variance of blood volume was decreased. During cooling stimulation, the blood volume was decreased, and its variance was decreased. During warming stimulation, the blood volume was decreased, and its variance was decreased.

Conclusions

We suggest that cyclic thermal therapy is useful to alleviate CIPN symptoms by blood circulation improvement. RBC scintigraphy can provide the quantitative information on blood volume under certain conditions such as stress, as well as rest, in peripheral tissue.

Arterial stiffness is associated with cardiovascular and cancer mortality in cancer patients: Insight from NHANESIII

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than second malignancy, resulting in a decreased quality of life and increased cost of care. Additional knowledge of CVD prevention by identifying possible risk factors has clinical relevance. Our main objective was to determine the relevance of a clinical index of arterial stiffness, pulse pressure, in predicting CVD mortality in cancer patients, with a second objective to examine its relationship with cancer mortality.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 781 cancer patients from Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Linked Mortality File, including demographic, anthropometric, blood pressure, and cause of death. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox hazard regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between pulse pressure and cardiovascular, cancer, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up time of 8.1 years, 603 deaths, 257 cancer and 151 CVD, occurred. In unadjusted models, the risk of CVD, cancer, and all-cause mortality were 3.8-fold, 5.3-fold, and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, for pulse pressure ≥70 ​mmHg compared to <50 ​mmHg. Adjusted analyses revealed a higher CVD mortality in cancer patients <65 years with a pulse pressure 60-70 ​mmHg (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.26; 95%CI, 1.12-24.78) when compared to pulse pressure of <50 ​mmHg. Pulse pressure was not associated with risk of all-cause, CVD, or cancer in those ≥65 years.

CONCLUSION

Pulse pressure, an index of arterial stiffness, is predictive of CVD mortality in cancer patients. Our findings support non-invasive office-setting measurements of arterial stiffness to identify high risk patients.

Lower endothelium-dependent microvascular function in adult breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy

Purpose

Cancer patients with a history of radiotherapy are at an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. Preclinical animal studies demonstrate markedly impaired acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation within days to weeks post-irradiation, however, whether microvascular function is affected in the intact human circulation during cancer radiation therapy has yet to be determined.

Materials and methods

Using laser-Doppler flowmetry, microvascular endothelium-dependent and independent responses were evaluated through iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) (part 1, n = 7) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (part 2, n = 8), respectively, in women currently receiving unilateral chest adjuvant radiation therapy for breast cancer. Measurements were performed at the site of radiation treatment and at a contralateral control, non-radiated site. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated by normalizing for mean arterial pressure.

Results and Conculsions

In part 1, patients received an average radiation dose of 2104 ± 236 cGy. A significantly lower peak ACh-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation was observed within the radiated microvasculature when compared to non-radiated (radiated: 532 ± 167%, non-radiated 1029 ± 263%; P = 0.02). In part 2, the average radiation dose received was 2251 ± 196 cGy. Iontophoresis of SNP elicited a similar peak endothelium-independent vasodilator response in radiated and non-radiated tissue (radiated: 179 ± 58%, non-radiated: 310 ± 158; P = 0.2). The time to 50% of the peak response for ACh and SNP was similar between radiated and non-radiated microvasculature (P < 0.05). These data provide evidence of early endothelium-dependent microvascular dysfunction in cancer patients currently receiving chest radiation and provide the scientific premise for future work evaluating coronary endothelial function and vasomotor reactivity using more detailed and invasive procedures.

Anticancer Therapy-Related Increases in Arterial Stiffness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Cardio‐oncology is a clinical discipline focused primarily on the early detection of anticancer therapy–related cardiomyopathy. However, there is growing evidence that the direct adverse consequences extend beyond the myocardium to affect the vasculature, but this evidence remains limited. In addition, there remains a paucity of clinically based strategies for monitoring vascular toxicity in these patients. Importantly, arterial stiffness is increasingly recognized as a surrogate end point for cardiovascular disease and may be an important vascular outcome to consider. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to summarize evidence of increased arterial stiffening with anticancer therapy and evaluate the effect of treatment modifiers.

Methods and Results

A total of 19 longitudinal and cross‐sectional studies that evaluated arterial stiffness both during and following anticancer therapy were identified using multiple databases. Two separate analyses were performed: baseline to follow‐up (12 studies) and control versus patient groups (10 studies). Subgroup analysis evaluated whether stiffness differed as a function of treatment type and follow‐up time. Standard mean differences and mean differences were calculated using random effect models. Significant increases in arterial stiffness were identified from baseline to follow‐up (standard mean difference, 0.890; 95% CI, 0.448–1.332; P<0.0001; mean difference, 1.505; 95% CI, 0.789–2.221; P≤0.0001) and in patient versus control groups (standard mean difference, 0.860; 95% CI, 0.402–1.318; P=0.0002; mean difference, 1.437; 95% CI, 0.426–2.448; P=0.0052). Subgroup analysis indicated differences in arterial stiffness between anthracycline‐based and non‐anthracycline‐based therapies (standard mean difference, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.001–0.41; P=0.048), but not follow‐up time.

Conclusions

Significant arterial stiffening occurs following anticancer therapy. Our findings support the use of arterial stiffness as part of a targeted vascular imaging strategy for the identification of early cardiovascular injury during treatment and for the detection of long‐term cardiovascular injury into survivorship.