Accelerated Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Toxicity Induced by Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer

The number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cardiovascular disease is continuously rising. Treatment options for breast cancer have greatly evolved, but radiotherapy (RT) still has a key role in it. Despite many advances in RT techniques, cardiotoxicity is one of the most important side effects. The new cardio-oncology guidelines recommend a baseline evaluation, risk stratification and follow-up of these patients. Cardiotoxicity induced by RT can be represented by almost all forms of cardiovascular disease, with atherosclerosis being the most frequent. An interdisciplinary team should manage these patients, in order to have maximum therapeutic effect and minimum cardiovascular toxicity. This review will summarize the current incidence, risk factors, mechanisms and follow-up of RT-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

Automated summary

The number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cardiovascular disease is increasing, and radiotherapy still plays a key role in breast cancer treatment. Cardiotoxicity is a significant side effect of radiotherapy, which can result in various cardiovascular diseases, with atherosclerosis being the most common. The management of these patients requires an interdisciplinary team to achieve maximum therapeutic effect and minimize cardiovascular toxicity. This review will summarize the current incidence, risk factors, mechanisms, and follow-up of radiotherapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity.