Towards the use of localised delivery strategies to counteract cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicities

Cancer therapies have significantly improved cancer survival; however, these therapies can often result in undesired side effects to off target organs. Cardiac disease ranging from mild hypertension to heart failure can occur as a result of cancer therapies. This can warrant the discontinuation of cancer treatment in patients which can be detrimental, especially when the treatment is effective. There is an urgent need to mitigate cardiac disease that occurs as a result of cancer therapy. Delivery strategies such as the use of nanoparticles, hydrogels, and medical devices can be used to localise the treatment to the tumour and prevent off target side effects. This review summarises the advancements in localised delivery of anti-cancer therapies to tumours. It also examines the localised delivery of cardioprotectants to the heart for patients with systemic disease such as leukaemia where localised tumour delivery might not be an option.

Automated summary

Advancements in cancer therapies have led to increased survival rates, but often come with undesirable side effects on off target organs such as the heart. To mitigate cardiac diseases resulting from cancer treatments, localized delivery strategies using nanoparticles, hydrogels, and medical devices can be employed. This review discusses the progress in localized delivery of anti-cancer therapies to tumors and cardioprotectants to the heart for patients with systemic diseases.