Congenital Heart Disease and the Risk of Cancer: An Update on the Genetic Etiology, Radiation Exposure Damage, and Future Research Strategies

Epidemiological studies have shown an increased prevalence of cancer in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) as compared with the general population. The underlying risk factors for the acquired cancer risk remain poorly understood, and shared genetic anomalies and cumulative radiation exposure from repeated imaging and catheterization procedures may be contributing factors. In the present review, we provide an update on the most recent literature regarding the associations between CHD and cancer, with a particular focus on genetic etiology and radiation exposure from medical procedures. The current evidence indicates that children with CHD may be a high-risk population, already having the first genetic hit, and, consequently, may have increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation from birth or earlier. Future research strategies integrating biological and molecular measures are also discussed in this article.

Automated summary

Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have a higher prevalence of cancer compared to the general population. The underlying risk factors for this acquired cancer risk remain poorly understood, but shared genetic anomalies and repeated medical procedures may contribute to radiation exposure. This review provides an update on the associations between CHD and cancer, with a focus on genetic causes and radiation exposure from medical procedures. Future research strategies integrating biological and molecular measures are also discussed.