Current perspectives of cardio-oncology: Epidemiology, adverse effects, pre-treatment screening and prevention strategies

Cancer and cardiac diseases are the most prevalent causes of death in most developed countries. Due to the earlier detection and higher effectiveness of treatment, more patients survive the disease and have a long life expectancy. As the post-cancer population is growing, an increasing number of patients will be diagnosed with sequelae of those therapies, most often affecting the cardiovascular system. Although the risk of cancer recurrence decreases within years, the risk of cardiac complications-for example left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, pericardial effusion and premature coronary artery disease remains elevated for decades after the completion of the therapy. The most common anticancer therapies that can cause adverse cardiovascular effects include chemotherapy-in particular anthracyclines, human epidermal growth receptor 2 targeted drugs and radiation therapy. A new field of research, cardio-oncology, addresses this increasing risk, screening, diagnosis and prevention. This review aims to present the most relevant reports regarding the adverse cardiac effects of oncological therapy, including the most prevalent types of cardiotoxicity, methods of pre-treatment screening and indications for prevention therapy.

Automated summary

Cancer and cardiac diseases are the leading causes of death in developed countries. Due to advancements in detection and treatment, more cancer patients are surviving and living longer. However, there is an increasing risk of cardiovascular complications from cancer therapies, such as heart dysfunction and premature heart disease. Cardio-oncology is a new field that focuses on screening, diagnosis, and prevention of these adverse effects. This review discusses the most relevant studies on cardiac effects of oncological therapy and methods for prevention.