Hypertension in patients with cancer

Photobiomodulation for Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Reduction in Mastectomized Women on Hormone Blockers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To assess the impact of intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) on the primitive carotid artery (PCA) hemodynamic variables, specifically blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), in mastectomized patients undergoing hormone blocker treatments. Materials and methods: This study is a controlled, experimental, and randomized clinical trial. Patients were allocated into two groups: the experimental group (G1)-patients who received ILIB therapy using a 660 nm laser targeted at the PCA, and the control group (G2)-patients who did not receive ILIB therapy. Clinical research was conducted weekly, with measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and HR. The Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples was used, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: Systemic photobiomodulation on the PCA did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in relation to SBP and DBP. However, for HR, the p-value was <0.05, indicating a significant difference between G1 and G2. The initial mean p > decreased from 142.3 to 116.4 mmHg in G1, and from 130.4 to 119.8 mmHg in G2. The DBP varied from 78.8 to 72.8 mmHg in G1, and from 79.1 to 74.2 mmHg in G2. A statistically significant difference was observed in HR, decreasing from 81.3 to 62.06 bpm in G1, and changing minimally from 74.1 to 75.1 bpm in G2. A considerable reduction was present in the timing of application. Conclusions: ILIB therapy applied to the PCA induces a reduction in BP and, more notably, HR in mastectomized women using the tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.

Cardiovascular adverse effects associated with the use of anti-HER2 in breast cancer treatment

Background: Cancer represents an important public health problem with increasing incidence, prevalence, and mortality, affecting the entire Western population, especially in developed and developing countries. The use of monoclonal antibodies has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, but this treatment can cause adverse cardiovascular effects (AE). Objective: The objective of this paper is to identify and classify AE in breast cancer patients in the use of Trastuzumab in two health institutions. Methods: Retrospective study of medical records of patients with breast cancer Her 2+ submitted the therapy with trastuzumab in early and advanced stage of the disease. Review conducted in a university hospital and a private clinic, both located in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Results: Cardiovascular events were late for trastuzumab, with predominance of moderate reactions. There was a predominance of dyspnea, increased blood pressure, fatigue and reduced left ventricular ejection. Conclusion: The results resemble similarities in the pattern of the institutions' reactions. Identify possible AE and know the toxicity profile of trastuzumab can contribute to a safer therapy.

Vascular Inflammation, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cancer and cardiovascular disease are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the USA. Cancer and cardiovascular disease have inflammatory underpinnings that have been associated with both the development and progression of these disease states.

RECENT FINDINGS

Inflammatory signaling has been found to be a critical event in both cardiovascular disease and cancer formation and progression. Further, many chemotherapeutic agents potentiate inflammation exacerbating existing cardiovascular disease or leading to its presence. The exact mechanisms of these interactions remain poorly understood. The proinflammatory milieu observed in both cancer and cardiovascular disease likely plays an important role in the development and potentiation of both conditions. Further evaluation of this relationship will be critical in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Factors Associated With Malnutrition in Hospitalized Cancer Patients in a National Oncology Center in Conflict-Affected Settings in Sana'a, Yemen: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cancer can significantly impact the nutritional status of patients, which can worsen related complications and reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Malnutrition is a common complication among cancer patients, especially among older adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized cancer patients and identify factors associated with malnutrition. Methodology and methods The cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 296 cancer patients admitted to the National Oncology Referral Center in Sana'a, Yemen, between February 1 and March 31, 2022. Malnutrition was diagnosed through clinical assessment and screening tools such as screening tools, body mass index (BMI), weight loss percentage, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess factors associated with malnutrition. Results Of the 296 patients included in the analysis, most were female 225 (76.0%), and the mean age was 45.8 years. The prevalence of undernutrition, as determined by the BMI score, was 48 (16.2%). The prevalence of malnutrition was higher in females 37 (16.4%) compared to males 11(15.5%). The data indicated that 49% of hospitalized patients had experienced weight loss of 5% or more. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that single (AOR=12.93, 95% CI: 1.17-142.77) or widowed (AOR=11.51, 95% CI: 1.05-126.03) marital status, weight loss (AOR=7.56, 95% CI: 3.00-18.69), stomach cancer (AOR=6.77, 95% CI: 1.66-27.70), and breast cancer (AOR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.12-6.03) were associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Conclusions  The study highlights the importance of evaluating and addressing the nutritional status of cancer patients, especially at the beginning and during treatment, to improve their clinical outcomes. Prospective studies are recommended to further investigate this issue.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis of observational studies

Introduction

Debate on the association between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and the risk of developing cancer has been ongoing for decades. This study aimed to generate reliable results by analysing observational studies published in the decade after our last meta-analysis was conducted.

Methods

We searched Embase and Medline databases on 21 January 2021 for cohort and case-control studies. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature and assessed the title and abstract of each publication. The I2 statistic used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the effect measures. Risk of bias was qualitatively assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results and discussion

We included an additional 16 cohort, 6 nested case-control, and 9 conventional case-control studies in the updated analysis. Overall HRs decreased, while overall relative risks increased.

Conclusion

Our results show some protective effects through the hazard ratio and some detrimental effects through the relative risk. Large-scale investigations of cohorts followed up for decades are needed to clarify association.

Plain Language Summary

Introduction: Two types of drug, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have been linked to the risk of developing cancer. We performed a meta-analysis by aggregating individual studies looking into the cancer risk of ACEIs and ARBs.Methods: We searched for articles on Embase and Medline databases until 21 January, 2021. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature and assessed the title and abstract of each publication.Results: Overall, the hazard ratio showed less than 1, while the relative risks showed higher than 1.Conclusion: Our results show some protective effects through the hazard ratio and some detrimental effects through the relative risk. Evidence supporting the risk of developing cancer is insufficient to prevent prescribing ACEIs or ARBs for patients with high blood pressure.

Prediction of cancer survivors' mortality risk in Korea: a 25-year nationwide prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting cancer survival and develop a mortality prediction model for Korean cancer survivors. Our study identified lifestyle and mortality risk factors and attempted to determine whether health-promoting lifestyles affect mortality.

METHODS

Among the 1,637,287 participants in the Korean Cancer Prevention Study (KCPS) cohort, 200,834 cancer survivors who were alive after cancer diagnosis were analyzed. Discrimination and calibration for predicting the 10-year mortality risk were evaluated. A prediction model was derived using the Cox model coefficients, mean risk factor values, and mean mortality from the cancer survivors in the KCPS cohort.

RESULTS

During the 21.6-year follow-up, the all-cause mortality rates of cancer survivors were 57.2% and 39.4% in men and women, respectively. Men, older age, current smoking, and a history of diabetes were high-risk factors for mortality, while exercise habits and a family history of cancer were associated with reduced risk. The prediction model discrimination in the validation dataset for both KCPS all-cause mortality and KCPS cancer mortality was shown by C-statistics of 0.69 and 0.68, respectively. Based on the constructed prediction models, when we modified exercise status and smoking status, as modifiable factors, the cancer survivors' risk of mortality decreased linearly.

CONCLUSIONS

A mortality prediction model for cancer survivors was developed that may be helpful in supporting a healthy life. Lifestyle modifications in cancer survivors may affect their risk of mortality in the future.

Efeito de um Programa de Exercício Físico na Pressão Arterial Aguda e Crônica em Sobreviventes de Câncer de Mama

Introdução: Poucos estudos exploraram o desfecho de componentes hemodinâmicos em sobreviventes de câncer em um programa de exercícios físicos. Objetivo: Verificar alterações agudas e crônicas na pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) durante um programa de exercícios em sobreviventes de câncer de mama. Método: Um hospital de referência, 24 mulheres sobreviventes participaram de um programa de exercícios físicos. A PA foi monitorada com monitor digital de pulso, antes e após a realização das sessões. Para comparação pré e pós-exercício em cada sessão, foi empregado o teste t para amostras pareadas. Para analises dos efeitos crônicos, utilizou-se a analise de variância (Anova), com medidas repetidas para identificar possíveis diferenças nas variáveis PAS e PAD pré-exercício ao longo das 15 sessões de treinamento. Considerou-se o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Observou-se que, com exceção da quarta e sexta sessões, os níveis de PAS diminuíram em todas as sessões após o exercício (p≤0,05). Para a PAD, somente houve diminuição significativa após o exercício nas três primeiras sessões. Nos efeitos crônicos, ocorreu redução media nos valores de PAS em repouso ao longo das sessões, com efeito hipotensor acima de 70% a partir da sétima sessão (p≤0,05). Na PAD, diferenças nos valores em repouso se acentuaram a partir da decima sessão; ao comparar com os valores de PAD em repouso, verificou-se efeito hipotensor acima de 94%. Conclusão: Sobreviventes que aderiram ao programa de exercício físico apresentaram redução aguda e crônica da PAS e da PAD.

The use of renin angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors may be associated with decreased mortality after cancer surgery

Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors are antihypertensive agents with conflicting results on protective effects against some types of cancer. In light of these controversies, we aimed to study the effects of RAAS inhibitors in patients undergoing cancer surgery. From March 2010 to December 2019, consecutive adult patients with antihypertensive drug prescription at discharge after cancer surgery were enrolled and divided into two groups according to RAAS inhibitors prescription. The primary outcome was 5-year mortality after surgery. Secondary outcomes included mortalities during 3-year and 1-year follow-ups and cancer-specific mortality and recurrence rates during 5-, 3-, and 1-year follow-ups. A total of 19,765 patients were divided into two groups according to RAAS inhibitor prescription at discharge: 8,374 (42.4%) patients in the no RAAS inhibitor group and 11,391 (57.6%) patients in the RAAS inhibitor group. In 5022 pairs of propensity-score matched population, 5-year mortality was significantly lower in the RAAS inhibitor group (11.4% vs. 7.4%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.83, P < 0.001), and 5-year recurrence rate was also lower for the RAAS inhibitor group (5.3% vs. 3.7%, HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, P = 0.04). In our analysis, RAAS inhibitor was associated with decreased 5-year mortality in hypertensive patients who underwent cancer surgery. Prescription of RAAS inhibitor in accordance with current guidelines may be associated with improved mortality after cancer surgery.

Cardio-Oncology: A Myriad of Relationships Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of death worldwide. With an increasing number of the elderly population, and early cancer screening and treatment, the number of cancers cases are rising, while the mortality rate is decreasing. However, the number of cancer survivors is increasing yearly. With the prolonged life span of cancer patients, the adverse effects of anti-tumor therapy, especially CVD, have gained enormous attention. The incidence of cardiovascular events such as cardiac injury or cardiovascular toxicity is higher than malignant tumors' recurrence rate. Numerous clinical studies have also shifted their focus from the study of a single disease to the interdisciplinary study of oncology and cardiology. Previous studies have confirmed that anti-tumor therapy can cause CVD. Additionally, the treatment of CVD is also related to the tumors incidence. It is well established that the increased incidence of CVD in cancer patients is probably due to an unmodified unhealthy lifestyle among cancer survivors or cardiotoxicity caused by anti-cancer therapy. Nevertheless, some patients with CVD have a relatively increased cancer risk because CVD and malignant tumors are highly overlapping risk factors, including gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and obesity. With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment, many patients simultaneously suffer from CVD and cancer, and most of them have a poor prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should understand the relationship between CVD and tumors, effectively identify the primary and secondary prevention for these diseases, and follow proper treatment methods.

The influence of a supervised group exercise intervention combined with active lifestyle recommendations on breast cancer survivors' health, physical functioning, and quality of life indices: study protocol for a randomized and controlled trial

Background

Most cancer patients, under active treatment or not, are sedentary, despite increasing scientific and clinical understanding of the benefits of exercise and physical activity, such as improving quality of life, limiting disease symptoms, decreasing cancer recurrence, and increasing overall survival. Studies have shown that both supervised exercise and unsupervised physical activity programs have low adherence and limited long-term benefits among cancer survivors. Therefore, interventions focused on increasing physical activity levels have clinical and psychological relevance. The present study will examine the feasibility and efficacy of an intervention that combines supervised group exercise with active lifestyle recommendations, analyzing its clinical, psychological, physiological, functional, and immunological effects in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Women aged 35–75 years who have completed chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery for breast cancer will be recruited from the Cancer Institute of the State of Sao Paulo (ICESP) and take part in a 16-week, parallel-group, randomized, and controlled trial. They will receive a booklet with recommendations for achieving a physically active lifestyle by increasing overall daily movement and undertaking at least 150 min/week of structured exercise. Then, they will be randomized into two groups: the supervised group will take part in two canoeing group exercise sessions every week, and the unsupervised group will increase their overall physical activity level by any means, such as active commuting, daily activities, or home-based exercise. Primary outcome includes aerobic capacity. Secondary outcomes are physical activity, physical functioning, self-reported quality of life, fatigue, presence of lymphedema, body composition, immune function, adherence to physical activity guidelines, and perceptions of self-image.

Discussion

Results should contribute to advance knowledge on the impact of a supervised group exercise intervention to improve aspects related to health, physical functioning, and quality of life in female breast cancer survivors.

Trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials Number: RBR-3fw9xf. Retrospectively Registered on 27 December 2018. Items from the World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set can be accessed on http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3fw9xf/.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05843-z.

Providers' mediating role for medication adherence among cancer survivors

Background

We conducted a mediation analysis of the provider team’s role in changes to chronic condition medication adherence among cancer survivors.

Methods

We used a retrospective, longitudinal cohort design following Medicare beneficiaries from 18-months before through 24-months following cancer diagnosis. We included beneficiaries aged ≥66 years newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer and using medication for non-insulin anti-diabetics, statins, and/or anti-hypertensives and similar individuals without cancer from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data, 2008–2014. Chronic condition medication adherence was defined as a proportion of days covered ≥ 80%. Provider team structure was measured using two factors capturing the number of providers seen and the historical amount of patient sharing among providers. Linear regressions relying on within-survivor variation were run separately for each cancer site, chronic condition, and follow-up period.

Results

The number of providers and patient sharing among providers increased after cancer diagnosis relative to the non-cancer control group. Changes in provider team complexity explained only small changes in medication adherence. Provider team effects were statistically insignificant in 13 of 17 analytic samples with significant changes in adherence. Statistically significant provider team effects were small in magnitude (<0.5 percentage points).

Conclusions

Increased complexity in the provider team associated with cancer diagnosis did not lead to meaningful reductions in medication adherence. Interventions aimed at improving chronic condition medication adherence should be targeted based on the type of cancer and chronic condition and focus on other provider, systemic, or patient factors.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Nephrotoxicity Among Adult Cancer Patients at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital

Background

Nephrotoxicity is common among cancer patients, yet some anti-cancer drugs, for example, platinum derivatives, are nephrotoxic and have narrow therapeutic indices. If nephrotoxicity is not managed, it can progress to kidney injury, which results in unregulated blood pressure, hormonal imbalance, electrolyte imbalance, body fluid imbalance and death. However, the burden of nephrotoxicity among adult cancer patients in Uganda is not documented in the literature.

Objective

This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors of nephrotoxicity among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Cancer Unit (MRRHCU).

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional study carried out at the MRRHCU, Uganda. All the 206 adult cancer patients who received at least three cycles of chemotherapy and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. A data collection form was used to collect data, which was recorded into Microsoft Excel version 2013. Data were analyzed using Stata version 12.1.

Results

Of the 206 participants, 74 (35.9%) developed nephrotoxicity with majority in stage 1 (n = 83, 40.3%) and stage 2 (n = 55, 26.7%). In the multivariate logistic regression of risk factors for nephrotoxicity, age >50 years old (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.91; p > 0.001), hypertension (aOR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.74, 1.94; p = 0.011) and use of platinum agents (aOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.82, 3.34; p = 0.002) were significant independent risk factors of nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion

About one-third (1/3) of the adult cancer patients at MRRHCU develop nephrotoxicity, which indicates a high burden of nephrotoxicity. The prevention of progression of nephrotoxicity from grades 0, 1 or 2 to grade 3 or 4 is therefore necessary, especially among the patients with risk factors, such as hypertension and age >50 years old and use of platinum agents.

The association of elevated blood pressure during ischaemic exercise with sport performance in Master athletes with and without morbidity

Background

An exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) is associated with a reduced exercise capacity. However, its connection to physical performance during competition is unknown.

Aim

To examine BP responses to ischaemic handgrip exercise in Master athletes (MA) with and without underlying morbidities and to assess their association with athletic performance during the World Master Track Cycling Championships 2019.

Methods

Forty-eight Master cyclists [age 59 ± 13yrs; weekly training volume 10.4 ± 4.1 h/week; handgrip maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) 46.3 ± 11.5 kg] divided into 2 matched groups (24 healthy MA and 24 MA with morbidity) and 10 healthy middle-aged non-athlete controls (age 48.3 ± 8.3 years; MVC 40.4 ± 14.8 kg) performed 5 min of forearm occlusion including 1 min handgrip isometric contraction (40%MVC) followed by 5 min recovery. Continuous beat-by-beat BP was recorded using finger plethysmography. Age-graded performance (AGP) was calculated to compare race performances among MA. Healthy Master cyclists were further grouped into middle-age (age 46.2 ± 6.4 years; N:12) and old-age (age 65.0 ± 7.7 years; N:12) for comparison with middle-aged non-athlete controls.

Results

Healthy and morbidity MA groups showed similar BP responses during forearm occlusion and AGP (90.1 ± 4.3% and 91.0 ± 5.3%, p > 0.05, respectively). Healthy and morbidity MA showed modest correlation between the BP rising slope for 40%MVC ischaemic exercise and AGP (r = 0.5, p < 0.05). MA showed accelerated SBP recovery after cessation of ischaemic handgrip exercise compared to healthy non-athlete controls.

Conclusion

Our findings associate long-term athletic training with improved BP recovery following ischaemic exercise regardless of age or reported morbidity. Exaggerated BP in Master cyclists during ischaemic exercise was associated with lower AGP during the World Master Cycling Championships.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00421-021-04828-9.

Unravelling the tangled web of hypertension and cancer

Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of mortality globally, being responsible for an estimated 17 million deaths every year. Cancer is the second leading cause of death on a global level with roughly 9 million deaths per year being attributed to neoplasms. The two share multiple common risk factors such as obesity, poor physical exercise, older age, smoking and there exists rare monogenic hypertension syndromes. Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and affects more than a billion people worldwide and may also be a risk factor for the development of certain types of cancer (e.g. renal cell carcinoma (RCC)). The interaction space of the two conditions becomes more complicated when the well-described hypertensive effect of certain antineoplastic drugs is considered along with the extensive amount of literature on the association of different classes of antihypertensive drugs with cancer risk/prevention. The cardiovascular risks associated with antineoplastic treatment calls for efficient management of relative adverse events and the development of practical strategies for efficient decision-making in the clinic. Pharmacogenetic interactions between cancer treatment and hypertension-related genes is not to be ruled out, but the evidence is not still ample to be incorporated in clinical practice. Precision Medicine has the potential to bridge the gap of knowledge regarding the full spectrum of interactions between cancer and hypertension (and cardiovascular disease) and provide novel solutions through the emerging field of cardio-oncology. In this review, we aimed to examine the bidirectional associations between cancer and hypertension including pharmacotherapy.

The Use of Antihypertensive Drugs as Coadjuvant Therapy in Cancer

Cancer is a complex group of diseases that constitute the second largest cause of mortality worldwide. The development of new drugs for treating this disease is a long and costly process, from the discovery of the molecule through testing in phase III clinical trials, a process during which most candidate molecules fail. The use of drugs currently employed for the management of other diseases (drug repurposing) represents an alternative for developing new medical treatments. Repurposing existing drugs is, in principle, cheaper and faster than developing new drugs. Antihypertensive drugs, primarily belonging to the pharmacological categories of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptors, direct aldosterone antagonists, β-blockers and calcium channel blockers, are commonly prescribed and have well-known safety profiles. Additionally, some of these drugs have exhibited pharmacological properties useful for the treatment of cancer, rendering them candidates for drug repurposing. In this review, we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence for utilizing antihypertensive agents in the treatment of cancer.

Etiology and management of hypertension in patients with cancer

The pathophysiology of hypertension and cancer are intertwined. Hypertension has been associated with an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers and with higher cancer-related mortality. Moreover, various anticancer therapies have been reported to cause new elevated blood pressure or worsening of previously well-controlled hypertension. Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, which is rapidly emerging as one of the leading causes of death and disability in patients with cancer. In this review, we discuss the relationship between hypertension and cancer and the role that hypertension plays in exacerbating the risk for anthracycline- and trastuzumab-induced cardiomyopathy. We then review the common cancer therapies that have been associated with the development of hypertension, including VEGF inhibitors, small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, alkylating agents, glucocorticoids, and immunosuppressive agents. When available, we present strategies for blood pressure management for each drug class. Finally, we discuss blood pressure goals for patients with cancer and strategies for assessment and management. It is of utmost importance to maintain optimal blood pressure control in the oncologic patient to reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and to decrease the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease.

Hypertension and Prohypertensive Antineoplastic Therapies in Cancer Patients

The development of a wide range of novel antineoplastic therapies has improved the prognosis for patients with a wide range of malignancies, which has increased the number of cancer survivors substantially. Despite the oncological benefit, cancer survivors are exposed to short- and long-term adverse cardiovascular toxicities associated with anticancer therapies. Systemic hypertension, the most common comorbidity among cancer patients, is a major contributor to the increased risk for developing these adverse cardiovascular events. Cancer and hypertension have common risk factors, have overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms and hypertension may also be a risk factor for some tumor types. Many cancer therapies have prohypertensive effects. Although some of the mechanisms by which these antineoplastic agents lead to hypertension have been characterized, further preclinical and clinical studies are required to investigate the exact pathophysiology and the optimal management of hypertension associated with anticancer therapy. In this way, monitoring and management of hypertension before, during, and after cancer treatment can be improved to minimize cardiovascular risks. This is vital to optimize cardiovascular health in patients with cancer and survivors, and to ensure that advances in terms of cancer survivorship do not come at the expense of increased cardiovascular toxicities.

Perioperative mortality of head and neck cancers

Background

Head and neck cancers are aggressive cancers, most clinical studies focused on the prognosis of patients with head and neck cancer. However, perioperative mortality was rarely mentioned.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using all head and neck cancer patients admitting in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2010 to December 2019. The analysis of overall survival and progression-free survival were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and cross tabulation with chi-squared testing was applied to analyze the difference in parameters between groups.

Results

From January 2010 to December 2019, a total of 6576 patients with head and neck cancers were admitted to our department and 7 died in the hospital, all of whom were middle-aged and elderly patients including 6 males and 1 female. The perioperative mortality rate (POMR) was about 1‰. The causes of death included acute heart failure, rupture of large blood vessels in the neck, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy due to asphyxia, respiratory failure and cardiopulmonary arrest.

Conclusion

Preoperative radiotherapy, previous chemotherapy, hypertension, diabetes, advanced clinical stage and postoperative infection are risk factors for perioperative mortality of head and neck cancer.

Hypertensive Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Treatment-Systematic Analysis of Adjunct, Conventional Chemotherapy, and Novel Therapies-Epidemiology, Incidence, and Pathophysiology

Cardiotoxicity is the umbrella term for cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapies. The most widely recognized phenotype is left ventricular dysfunction, but cardiotoxicity can manifest as arrhythmogenic, vascular, myocarditic and hypertensive toxicities. Hypertension has long been regarded as one of the most prevalent and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in the general population, but its relevance during the cancer treatment journey may be underestimated. Hypertensive cardiotoxicity occurs de novo in a substantial proportion of treated cancer patients. The pathology is incompletely characterized—natriuresis and renin angiotensin system interactions play a role particularly in conventional treatments, but in novel therapies endothelial dysfunction and the interaction between the cancer and cardiac kinome are implicated. There exists a treatment paradox in that a significant hypertensive response not only mandates anti-hypertensive treatment, but in fact, in certain cancer treatment scenarios, hypertension is a predictor of cancer treatment efficacy and response. In this comprehensive review of over 80,000 patients, we explored the epidemiology, incidence, and mechanistic pathophysiology of hypertensive cardiotoxicity in adjunct, conventional chemotherapy, and novel cancer treatments. Conventional chemotherapy, adjunct treatments, and novel targeted therapies collectively caused new onset hypertension in 33–68% of treated patients. The incidence of hypertensive cardiotoxicity across twenty common novel therapies for any grade hypertension ranged from 4% (imatinib) to 68% (lenvatinib), and high grade 3 or 4 hypertension in <1% (imatinib) to 42% (lenvatinib). The weighted average effect was all-grade hypertension in 24% and grade 3 or 4 hypertension in 8%.

Hypertension in malignancy-an underappreciated problem

Hypertension is one of the most common comorbidities in cancer patients with malignancy, in particular, in the elderly. On the other hand, hypertension is a long-term consequence of antineoplastic treatment, including both chemotherapy and targeted agents. Several chemotherapeutics and targeted drugs may be responsible for development or worsening of the hypertension. The most common side effect of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) treatment is hypertension. However, pathogenesis of hypertension in patients receiving this therapy appears to be associated with multiple pathways and is not yet fully understood. Development of hypertension was associated with improved antitumor efficacy in patients treated with anti-antiangiogenic drugs in some but not in all studies. Drugs used commonly as adjuvants such as steroids, erythropoietin stimulating agents etc, may also cause rise in blood pressure or exacerbate preexisiting hypertension. Hypotensive therapy is crucial to manage hypertension during certain antineoplastic treatment. The choice and dose of antihypertensive drugs depend upon the presence of organ dysfunction, comorbidities, and/or adverse effects. In addition, severity of the hypertension and the urgency of blood pressure control should also be taken into consideration. As there are no specific guidelines on the hypertension treatment in cancer patients we should follow the available guidelines to obtain the best possible outcomes and pay the attention to the individualization of the therapy according to the actual situation.

Associations between physical activity and comorbidities in Korean cancer survivors

PURPOSE

To examine the associations between physical activity, metabolic risk factors, and comorbidities in Korean cancer survivors.

METHODS

We used multiple cross-sectional data sets from the 2007-2013 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) that included 1225 cancer survivors. Physical activity and comorbidities were self-reported. Metabolic risk factors were measured via blood analyses and included fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

RESULTS

The sample was 38.4% male with a mean age of 59.9 ± 12.4 years. The most common cancers were stomach (22.5%), cervical (14.6%), breast (14.4%), and colorectal (11.8%). Cancer survivors meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines, compared to those completely inactive, had significantly lower fasting glucose (p = .001), HbA1c (p = .006), and systolic blood pressure (p = .001), and significantly lower risks of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 0.55, 95% confidential interval [CI] = 0.32 to 0.93), diabetes (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.95), and arthritis (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.99). Moreover, cancer survivors meeting strength exercise guidelines, compared to those not meeting guidelines, had significantly lower levels of fasting glucose (p = .001), HbA1c (p < .001), and total cholesterol (p = .031), and significantly lower risks of arthritis (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.85) and back pain (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.83).

CONCLUSION

Aerobic physical activity and strength exercise were significantly associated with lower risks of metabolic disturbances and comorbidities in Korean cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Cancer survivors should engage in at least 150 min/week of aerobic exercise and at least 2 days/week of strength exercise to lower their risk of metabolic disturbances and comorbidities.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire: damage-associated molecular patterns and cardiovascular toxicity following cancer therapy

Cardio-oncology is a new and rapidly expanding field that merges cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is an omnipresent side effect of cancer therapy; in fact, it is the second leading cause of death in cancer survivors after recurrent cancer. It has been well documented that many cancer chemotherapeutic agents cause cardiovascular toxicity. Nonetheless, the underlying cause of cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity is largely unknown. In this review, we discuss the potential role of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) as an underlying contributor to cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity. With an increasing number of cancer patients, as well as extended life expectancy, understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular disease is of the utmost importance to ensure that cancer is the only disease burden that cancer survivors have to endure.

Linking CHHiP prostate cancer RCT with GP records: A study proposal to investigate the effect of co-morbidities and medications on long-term symptoms and radiotherapy-related toxicity

Background

Patients receiving cancer treatment often have one or more co-morbid conditions that are treated pharmacologically. Co-morbidities are recorded in clinical trials usually only at baseline. However, co-morbidities evolve and new ones emerge during cancer treatment. The interaction between multi-morbidity and cancer recovery is significant but poorly understood.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of co-morbidities (e.g. cardiovascular and diabetes) and medications (e.g. statins, antihypertensives, metformin) on radiotherapy-related toxicity and long-term symptoms in order to identify potential risk factors. The possible protective effect of medications such as statins or antihypertensives in reducing radiotherapy-related toxicity will also be explored.

Methods

Two datasets will be linked. (1) CHHiP (Conventional or Hypofractionated High Dose Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer) randomised control trial. CHHiP contains pelvic symptoms and radiation-related toxicity reported by patients and clinicians. (2) GP (General Practice) data from RCGP RSC (Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre). The GP records of CHHiP patients will be extracted, including cardiovascular co-morbidities, diabetes and prescription medications. Statistical analysis of the combined dataset will be performed in order to investigate the effect.

Conclusions

Linking two sources of healthcare data is an exciting area of big healthcare data research. With limited data in clinical trials (not all clinical trials collect information on co-morbidities or medications) and limited lengths of follow-up, linking different sources of information is increasingly needed to investigate long-term outcomes. With increasing pressures to collect detailed information in clinical trials (e.g. co-morbidities, medications), linkage to routinely collected data offers the potential to support efficient conduct of clinical trials.

Biological agents in gastrointestinal cancers: adverse effects and their management

Biological therapy comprises agents that by virtue of their unique mechanisms of action, are able to specifically incite a response against or target malignant cells. They differ from conventional chemotherapy with regard to mechanisms of action, indications and side effect profile. Biologic agents have revolutionized therapy for a number of malignancies. In the setting of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, agents targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/Neu) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have proven to be invaluable additions to chemotherapy. However, these agents bring with them a set of side effects attributable to their unique mechanisms of action. The anti VEGF agents-bevacizumab, aflibercept and ramucirumab, can result in renal and vascular complications such as hypertension, arterial thrombotic events (ATE), proteinuria and GI perforations. The anti EGFR agents classically cause dermatological toxicities, in addition to hypomagnesemia, which can be dose limiting for patients. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets Her2/Neu, is known to cause cardiotoxicity, especially when used with anthracyclines. Use of immunotherapy agents such as nivolumab is associated with the development immune related adverse events (irAEs). The use of these agents is expected to increase over the next few years and it is crucial that patients and practitioners are aware of their adverse effects and current management strategies. This review highlights the adverse events associated with the use of biologic and immunologic therapies in GI cancers, their incidence and current management strategies.

Cohort study of oncologic emergencies in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are associated with toxicities that lead to emergency department presentation.

METHODS

We utilized data from an ongoing prospective cohort of newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients (N = 298) with HNSCC to evaluate the association between clinical and epidemiologic factors and risk for and frequency of emergency department presentation. Time to event was calculated from the date of treatment initiation to emergency department presentation, date of death, or current date. Frequency of emergency department presentation was the sum of emergency department visits during the follow-up time.

RESULTS

History of hypertension, normal/underweight body mass index (BMI), and probable depression predicted increased risk for emergency department presentation. BMI and severe pain were associated with higher frequency of emergency department presentations.

CONCLUSION

Clinical and epidemiologic factors can help predict patients with HNSCC who will present to the emergency department. Such knowledge may improve treatment-related patient outcomes and quality of life. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1195-1204, 2017.

Potential Therapeutic Strategies for Hypertension-Exacerbated Cardiotoxicity of Anticancer Drugs

Despite their recognized cardiotoxic effects, anthracyclines remain an essential component in many anticancer regimens due to their superior antitumor efficacy. Epidemiologic data revealed that about one-third of cancer patients have hypertension, which is the most common comorbidity in cancer registries. The purpose of this review is to assess whether anthracycline chemotherapy exacerbates cardiotoxicity in patients with hypertension. A link between hypertension comorbidity and anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) was first suggested in 1979. Subsequent preclinical and clinical studies have supported the notion that hypertension is a major risk factor for AIC, along with the cumulative anthracycline dosage. There are several common or overlapping pathological mechanisms in AIC and hypertension, such as oxidative stress. Current evidence supports the utility of cardioprotective modalities as adjunct treatment prior to and during anthracycline chemotherapy. Several promising cardioprotective approaches against AIC pathologies include dexrazoxane, early hypertension management, and dietary supplementation of nitrate with beetroot juice or other medicinal botanical derivatives (e.g., visnagin and Danshen), which have both antihypertensive and anti-AIC properties. Future research is warranted to further elucidate the mechanisms of hypertension and AIC comorbidity and to conduct well-controlled clinical trials for identifying effective clinical strategies to improve long-term prognoses in this subgroup of cancer patients.

Effects of Toceranib Phosphate on Systolic Blood Pressure and Proteinuria in Dogs

Background

Systemic hypertension and proteinuria are established adverse effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in people.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in systolic blood pressure and the incidence of proteinuria secondary to treatment with toceranib phosphate in dogs with cancer.

Animals

Twenty‐six control dogs and 30 dogs with cancer were evaluated for the first part of the study (baseline characteristics). For the second part (effect of toceranib phosphate treatment), 48 client‐owned dogs were evaluated, including 20 control dogs and 28 dogs with various types of neoplasia.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. Client‐owned healthy control dogs and dogs with cancer were enrolled. Blood pressure and urine protein:creatinine ratios were measured before treatment and 2 weeks after initiation of toceranib phosphate treatment.

Results

Systolic blood pressure was significantly (P = 0.0013) higher in previously normotensive treatment dogs after initiation of treatment with toceranib phosphate (152 mmHg ± 19) compared to baseline (136 mmHg ± 14). 37% of treated dogs developed SBP ≥ 160 mmHg. The prevalence of systemic hypertension (37%) and proteinuria (21%) at baseline in treatment dogs did not differ from that of age‐matched healthy controls (15% [P = 0.13] and 0% [P = 0.069], respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Toceranib phosphate treatment might result in increased systolic blood pressures in dogs. Systemic hypertension should be considered a potential adverse effect of this drug in dogs. Systemic hypertension and proteinuria were detected at clinically relevant frequencies in the dogs with cancer before antineoplastic therapies suggesting that monitoring of these variables might be warranted in this population.

Radiosensitivity in HeLa cervical cancer cells overexpressing glutathione S-transferase π 1

The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of overexpressed exogenous glutathione S-transferase π 1 (GSTP1) gene on the radiosensitivity of the HeLa human cervical cancer cell line and conduct a preliminarily investigation into the underlying mechanisms of the effect. The full-length sequence of human GSTP1 was obtained by performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers based on the GenBank sequence of GSTP1. Subsequently, the gene was cloned into a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid, and the resulting construct was confirmed by restriction analysis and DNA sequencing. A HeLa cell line that was stably expressing high levels of GSTP1 was obtained through stable transfection of the constructed plasmids using lipofectamine and screening for G418 resistance, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR. Using the transfected HeLa cells, a colony formation assay was conducted to detect the influence of GSTP1 overexpression on the cell radiosensitivity. Furthermore, flow cytometry was used to investigate the effect of GSTP1 overexpression on cell cycle progression, with the protein expression levels of the cell cycle regulating factor cyclin B1 detected using western blot analysis. Colony formation and G₂/M phase arrest in the GSTP1-expressing cells were significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.01). In addition, the expression of cyclin B1 was significantly reduced in the GSTP1-expressing cells. These results demonstrated that increased expression of GSTP1 inhibits radiosensitivity in HeLa cells. The mechanism underlying this effect may be associated with the ability of the GSTP1 protein to reduce cyclin B1 expression, resulting in significant G₂/M phase arrest.