Incidence and trends of cardiovascular mortality after common cancers in young adults: Analysis of surveillance, epidemiology and end-results program

Long-term risks of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease in ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer survivors: a nationwide study in Korea

Only few studies have evaluated the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) among gynaecologic cancer survivors. We selected 26,880 gynaecologic cancer patients who underwent health check-ups within 2 years after diagnosis using the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database. They were compared with 79,830 non-cancer controls. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). There was no significant relationship between gynaecologic cancer survivors and CHD or CVD events. However, 10 years after diagnosing cancers, the risk of angina increased in cancer survivors (adjusted HR = 1.193, 95% CI: 1.013-1.406). After 1 year of diagnosis, cancer patients with no initial comorbidities showed an increased risk of all CHD and CVD events (adjusted HR = 1.101, 95% CI: 1.020-1.189) and CHD alone (adjusted HR = 1.168, 95% CI: 1.055-1.293) compared with controls. CHD risk was also higher in the cancer group with no comorbidities after 10 years of diagnosis (adjusted HR = 1.284, 95% CI: 1.020-1.615). Overall, the risk of CHD or CVD did not increase in gynaecologic cancer survivors. However, cancer patients without any comorbidities showed a higher risk of CHD compared with control, the risk persisting until 10 years after cancer diagnosis.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Cardiovascular risk and the incidence of stroke increase after cancer diagnosis.What do the results of this study add? The risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease did not increase in Asian (especially Korean) gynaecologic cancer survivors compared with the general population. However, cancer patients without any comorbidities showed a higher risk of CHD compared with the non-cancer population.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results imply the importance of surveillance of cardiovascular risks among patients with gynaecologic cancer without comorbidities.

Early GLS changes detection after chemoradiation in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

PURPOSE

Chemoradiation is the standard treatment in patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), and thanks to the recent combination with immunotherapy, median survival has unexpectedly improved. This study aims to evaluate early changes in cardiac function after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in LA-NSCLC by multimodal use of advanced imaging techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective, observational cohort study. At the beginning of combined treatment, screening tests including blood samples, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiographic examination (TTE), and cardiac magnetic resonance were performed in all patients with LA-NSCLC. ECG and cardiac marker assays were performed weekly during treatment. ECG and TTE were performed at month 1 (M1) and month 3 (M3) after the end of CRT.

RESULTS

This preliminary analysis included thirty-four patients with a mean age of 69.5 years. The median follow-up was 27.8 months. 62% of patients were in stage IIIA. Radiation therapy was delivered with a median total dose of 60 Gy with conventional fractionation. All patients were treated with concurrent CRT, and 65% of cases were platinum-based therapy. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and ejection fraction (EF) progressively decreased from baseline to M1 and M3. There was a strong correlation between GLS and EF reduction (at M1: p = 0.034; at M3: p = 0.018). Cardiac arrhythmias occurred in eight patients (23.5%) at a mean follow-up of 15.8 months after CRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in GLS is an early sign occurring after the end of CRT for LA-NSCLC. Future studies are needed to identify variables that can increase the risk of cardiac events in this patient population to implement adequate damage prevention strategies.

Tissue Reactions and Mechanism in Cardiovascular Diseases Induced by Radiation

The long-term survival rate of cancer patients has been increasing as a result of advances in treatments and precise medical management. The evidence has accumulated that the incidence and mortality of non-cancer diseases have increased along with the increase in survival time and long-term survival rate of cancer patients after radiotherapy. The risk of cardiovascular disease as a radiation late effect of tissue damage reactions is becoming a critical challenge and attracts great concern. Epidemiological research and clinical trials have clearly shown the close association between the development of cardiovascular disease in long-term cancer survivors and radiation exposure. Experimental biological data also strongly supports the above statement. Cardiovascular diseases can occur decades post-irradiation, and from initiation and development to illness, there is a complicated process, including direct and indirect damage of endothelial cells by radiation, acute vasculitis with neutrophil invasion, endothelial dysfunction, altered permeability, tissue reactions, capillary-like network loss, and activation of coagulator mechanisms, fibrosis, and atherosclerosis. We summarize the most recent literature on the tissue reactions and mechanisms that contribute to the development of radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases (RICVD) and provide biological knowledge for building preventative strategies.

Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite the advancements of modern radiotherapy, radiation-induced cardiovascular disease (RICVD) remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of RICVD include endothelial cell damage with accelerated atherosclerosis, pro-thrombotic alterations in the coagulation pathway as well as inflammation and fibrosis of the myocardial, pericardial, valvular, and conduction tissues. Prevention of RICVD can be achieved by minimizing the exposure of the cardiovascular system to radiation, by treatment of underlying cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease, and possibly by prophylactic pharmacotherapy post exposure. Herein we summarize current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of RICVD and propose prevention and treatment strategies.

Early Detection of Cardiac Damage by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography After Thoracic Radiation Therapy: Study Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study

Background

As one of the important treatment methods for cancer patients, radiotherapy may lead to incidental irradiation of the heart, resulting in radiotherapy-induced heart disease (RIHD) arising many years after radiotherapy. While, there are few studies on early subclinical cardiac damage, which may be essential for the protection of late RIHD. To detect and predict RIHD and early subclinical cardiac damage induced by thoracic radiation therapy, based on two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) combined with multiple circulating biomarkers and accurate heart dosimetry.

Methods and Analysis

This is a monocentric prospective cohort study in which 104 patients treated for malignant tumors and with cardiac radiation exposure will be included. All participants will be followed for 12 months after radiotherapy. Echocardiography, 2D STE, and blood samples will be underwent at 5-time points (baseline; after completion of RT; 2, 6, and 12 months after RT). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain; diastolic function parameters; creatine kinase (CK); creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB); cardiac troponin T (cTnT); N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) will be measured at baseline and every follow-up time. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events will be recorded.

Discussion

This study details the protocol and presents the primary limits and advantages of this single-center project. The inclusion of patients began in 2021, and the results are expected to be published in 2023. This study will be allowed to enhance knowledge on detection and prediction of early subclinical cardiac dysfunction induced by thoracic radiation therapy, based on two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) combined with circulating biomarkers and accurate heart dosimetry. Furthermore, we will evaluate risk factors of subtle cardiac damage and identify high-risk groups for early heart damage.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04443400.

Cardiooncology-dealing with modern drug treatment, long-term complications, and cancer survivorship

Modern treatment strategies have improved prognosis and survival of patients with malignant diseases. The key components of tumor treatment are conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Cardiovascular side-effects may occur in the early phase of tumor therapy or even decades later. Therefore, knowledge and awareness of acute and long-lasting cardiac side effects of anti-cancer therapies are essential. Cardiotoxicity impairs quality of life and overall survival. The new cardiologic subspecialty 'cardio-oncology' deals with the different cardiovascular problems arising from tumor treatment and the relationship between cancer and heart diseases. Early detection and treatment of cardiotoxicity is of crucial importance. A detailed cardiac assessment of patients prior to administration of cardiotoxic agents, during and after treatment should be performed in all patients. The current review focusses on acute and long-term cardiotoxic side effects of classical cytotoxic and selected modern drug treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and discusses strategies for the diagnosis of treatment-related adverse cardiovascular effects in cancer patients.

X‑irradiation induces acute and early term inflammatory responses in atherosclerosis‑prone ApoE‑/‑ mice and in endothelial cells

Thoracic radiotherapy is an effective treatment for many types of cancer; however it is also associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), appearing mainly ≥10 years after radiation exposure. The present study investigated acute and early term physiological and molecular changes in the cardiovascular system after ionizing radiation exposure. Female and male ApoE^‑/‑ mice received a single exposure of low or high dose X‑ray thoracic irradiation (0.1 and 10 Gy). The level of cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as a large panel of inflammatory markers, were analyzed in serum samples obtained at 24 h and 1 month after irradiation. The secretion of inflammatory markers was further verified in vitro in coronary artery and microvascular endothelial cell lines after exposure to low and high dose of ionizing radiation (0.1 and 5 Gy). Local thoracic irradiation of ApoE^‑/‑ mice increased serum growth differentiation factor‑15 (GDF‑15) and C‑X‑C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) levels in both female and male mice 24 h after high dose irradiation, which were also secreted from coronary artery and microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. Sex‑specific responses were observed for triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and some of the assessed inflammatory markers as detailed below. Male ApoE^‑/‑ mice demonstrated elevated intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 and P‑selectin at 24 h, and adiponectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor‑1 at 1 month after irradiation, while female ApoE^‑/‑ mice exhibited decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein‑1 and urokinase‑type plasminogen activator receptor at 24 h, and basic fibroblast growth factor 1 month after irradiation. The inflammatory responses were mainly significant following high dose irradiation, but certain markers showed significant changes after low dose exposure. The present study revealed that acute/early inflammatory responses occurred after low and high dose thoracic irradiation. However, further research is required to elucidate early asymptomatic changes in the cardiovascular system post thoracic X‑irradiation and to investigate whether GDF‑15 and CXCL10 could be considered as potential biomarkers for the early detection of CVD risk in thoracic radiotherapy‑treated patients.

Modern Radiotherapy and Risk of Cardiotoxicity

Despite the advancements of modern radiotherapy, radiation-induced heart disease remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality amongst cancer survivors. This review outlines the basic mechanism, clinical presentation, risk stratification, early detection, possible mitigation, and treatment of this condition.

Connexin43 Hemichannel Targeting With TAT-Gap19 Alleviates Radiation-Induced Endothelial Cell Damage

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence indicates an excess risk of late occurring cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis, after thoracic cancer radiotherapy. Ionizing radiation (IR) induces cellular effects which may induce endothelial cell dysfunction, an early marker for atherosclerosis. In addition, intercellular communication through channels composed of transmembrane connexin proteins (Cxs), i.e. Gap junctions (direct cell-cell coupling) and hemichannels (paracrine release/uptake pathway) can modulate radiation-induced responses and therefore the atherosclerotic process. However, the role of endothelial hemichannel in IR-induced atherosclerosis has never been described before.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Telomerase-immortalized human Coronary Artery/Microvascular Endothelial cells (TICAE/TIME) were exposed to X-rays (0.1 and 5 Gy). Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, cell death, inflammatory responses, and senescence were assessed with or without applying a Cx43 hemichannel blocker (TAT-Gap19).

RESULTS

We report here that IR induces an increase in oxidative stress, cell death, inflammatory responses (IL-8, IL-1β, VCAM-1, MCP-1, and Endothelin-1) and premature cellular senescence in TICAE and TIME cells. These effects are significantly reduced in the presence of the Cx43 hemichannel-targeting peptide TAT-Gap19.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that endothelial Cx43 hemichannels contribute to various IR-induced processes, such as ROS, cell death, inflammation, and senescence, resulting in an increase in endothelial cell damage, which could be protected by blocking these hemichannels. Thus, targeting Cx43 hemichannels may potentially exert radioprotective effects.

New therapeutic insights into radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis

Radiation therapy (RT) for the treatment of thoracic tumors causes radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). Radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF) is both an acute and chronic stage of RIHD, depending on the specific pathology, and is thought to be a major risk factor for adverse myocardial remodeling and vascular changes. With the use of more three-dimensional conformal radiation regimens and early screenings and diagnoses for RIMF, the incidence of RIHD is declining, but it still must be carefully investigated to minimize the mortality and morbidity of patients with thoracic malignancies after RT treatment. Effective methods for preventing RIMF involve a decrease in the direct radiation dose in the heart, and early screening and diagnosis. Medications remain as a useful adjunct for preventing or treating RIMF. This review mainly discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying RIMF, and new therapeutic drugs that can potentially be developed from this knowledge.

Cardio-oncology - strategies for management of cancer-therapy related cardiovascular disease

Current therapy of advanced cancers is based on several modalities including radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, molecularly targeted inhibitors and antibodies targeting immune checkpoints. All of those these modalities can negatively impact the cardiovascular system, and there is considerable experience in relation to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In contrast, the knowledge base on cardiovascular toxicities of novel agents targeting signal transduction pathways and immune regulation is quite limited. In particular, potential late effects are of concern as cardiovascular pathology can negatively impact quality of life and prognosis in cancer survivors, particularly when additional cardiovascular risk factors are present. Treatment-associated adverse events include hypertension, venous thromboembolism, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure and arrhythmias. Early diagnosis of subclinical cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies remains challenging. Integrated care, as provided by multidisciplinary cardio-oncology teams is the best option for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with cancer therapy. This review considers the cardiotoxic effects of specific cancer therapies and discusses novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as a reference for optimizing the care of cancer patients receiving novel cancer therapies.

Risk factors for cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was performed between 2010 and 2014. Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMRs) for cardiovascular mortality were calculated by comparing the number of expected deaths in the United States according to the National Center for Health Statistics (ICD-10 codes I00-I99) to the number of observed deaths in the database. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

Overall, 164,719 patients were identified (mean age at diagnosis 67 ± 13.9 years, 52.7% males, 47.3% females), of which 4854 (2.9%) died from cardiovascular disease. The majority of cardiovascular deaths occurred during the first year after diagnosis (2658, 54.8%). SMRs for cardiovascular mortality were 11.7 (95% CI 11.3-12) among all patients, 12.1 (95% CI 11.7-12.6) for male patients and 11.1 (95% CI 10.6-11.6) for female patients, with SMRs being higher for younger patients. Older age, male sex, African-American race, elevated CEA and not undergoing curative surgery were independent risk factors of cardiovascular mortality in patients with colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Patients with colorectal cancer are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, especially during the first year after diagnosis. Older age, male sex, African-American race, elevated CEA and not undergoing curative surgery are independent risk factors of cardiovascular death.

Cardiac mortality in limited-stage small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Life expectancy of patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) continues to rise; thus, characterization of long-term toxicities is essential. Although there are emerging data linking cardiac irradiation doses with survival for non-small cell lung cancer, there are currently minimal data on cardiac-specific mortality (CSM) in LS-SCLC. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate CSM between left- and right-sided cases.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for stage I-III primary SCLC patients receiving radiotherapy; CSM was compared between left- and right-sided diseases. Accounting for mortality from other causes, Gray's test compared cumulative incidences of CSM between both groups. Multiple multivariate models examined the independent effect of laterality on CSM, including the Fine and Gray competing risk model and the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Of 19,692 patients, 7991 (41%) were left-sided and 11,701 (59%) were right-sided. Left-sided patients experienced significantly higher CSM overall (3.3% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.004). Laterality was an independent predictor of CSM in the overall population in the Fine and Gray competing risk model (p = 0.006) as well as the Cox proportional hazards model (p = 0.007). The overall hazard ratio for CSM by disease laterality was 1.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.50). Laterality had no statistical association with non-cardiac mortality in the Fine and Gray competing risk model (p = 0.130).

CONCLUSIONS

Although causation between radiotherapy and CSM in LS-SCLC cannot be stated based on these data, we encourage clinical attentiveness to cardiac-sparing radiotherapy for LS-SCLC, along with further investigation evaluating dosimetric correlates for cardiotoxicity.

Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Disease: A Clinical Perspective

Cancer survival has improved dramatically, and this has led to the manifestation of late side effects of multimodality therapy. Radiation (RT) to the thoracic malignancies results in unintentional irradiation of the cardiac chambers. RT-induced microvascular ischemia leads to disruption of capillary endothelial framework, and injury to differentiated myocytes results in deposition of collagen and fibrosis. Coexistence of risk factors of metabolic syndrome and preexisting atherosclerosis in addition to RT exposure results in accelerated occurrence of major coronary events. Hence, it becomes pertinent to understand the underlying pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of RT-induced cardiovascular disease to devise optimal preventive and surveillance strategies.