Cardiovascular disease after cancer therapy

Publication date: June 2014 Source:European Journal of Cancer Supplements, Volume 12, Issue 1 Author(s): Berthe M.P. Aleman , Elizabeth C. Moser , Janine Nuver , Thomas M. Suter , Maja V. Maraldo , Lena Specht , Conny Vrieling , Sarah C. Darby Improvements in treatment and earlier diagnosis have both contributed to increased survival for many cancer patients. Unfortunately, many treatments carry a risk of late effects including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), possibly leading to significant morbidity and mortality. In this paper we describe current knowledge of the cardiotoxicity arising from cancer treatments, outline gaps in knowledge, and indicate directions for future research and guideline development, as discussed during the 2014 Cancer Survivorship Summit organised by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). Better knowledge is needed of the late effects of modern systemic treatments and of radiotherapy to critical structures of the heart, including the effect of both radiation dose and volume of the heart exposed. Research elucidating the extent to which treatments interact in causing CVD, and the mechanisms involved, as well as the extent to which treatments may increase CVD indirectly by increasing cardiovascular risk factors is also important. Systematic collection of data relating treatment details to late effects is needed, and great care is needed to obtain valid and generalisable results. Better knowledge of these card...
Source: European Journal of Cancer Supplements - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research