Cardiac Side Effects

21.03.2024

CARDIAC SYSTEM SIDE EFFECTS IN CANCER TREATMENT

Cancer treatment, especially some chemotherapeutic drugs and radiotherapy, may cause side effects on the cardiac system. These side effects include heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmia and pericarditis. For example, some chemotherapy drugs, such as anthracyclines, can lead to cardiotoxicity and ultimately heart failure. Radiotherapy, especially when applied to the chest area, can cause damage to heart tissue and coronary artery disease. Cardiac monitoring, appropriate drug treatments and lifestyle changes are important for the management of these side effects. Side effects of cancer treatment on the cardiac system can significantly affect patients' quality of life and overall response to treatment.

Image 1: Cardiac evaluation of patients before starting cancer treatments will reduce possible cardiac side effects.

Some drugs that can cause cardiac system side effects in cancer treatment include:

Anthracyclines (e.g. Doxorubicin): They carry the risk of heart failure and cardiotoxicity.

HER2 inhibitors (e.g. Trastuzumab): May cause heart failure.

VEGF inhibitors (e.g. Bevacizumab): Increases the risk of hypertension and thromboembolic events.

BRAF inhibitors (e.g. Vemurafenib): It carries the risk of QT prolongation and arrhythmias.

ALK inhibitors (e.g. Crizotinib): It may cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) and QT prolongation.

The use of these drugs should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and with regular cardiac monitoring. Management of side effects and drug dose adjustments are made according to the patient's general health condition.

Image 2: During cancer treatment vascular occlusion in the circulatory system is one of the most common side effects.

Types of Side Effects

Heart failure: Some chemotherapy drugs, especially anthracyclines, can cause cardiotoxicity and heart failure.

Arrhythmias: Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Coronary Artery Disease: Radiotherapy to the chest area may cause damage to the coronary arteries.

Hypertension: Some targeted therapies and immunotherapies may cause an increase in blood pressure.

Pericarditis and Myocarditis: Inflammation may develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or heart muscle (myocardium) due to inflammation or infection.

Treatment and Management

Cardiac Monitoring: Regular cardiac functions should be monitored before and during treatment.

Medication: Medicines such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers can be used for heart failure and antiarrhythmic drugs for arrhythmias.

Lifestyle Changes: A low-salt and heart-healthy diet, regular exercise and stress management will be beneficial for heart health.

Early Intervention - Close Follow-up: Immediate intervention at the first signs of side effects.

Cardiac side effects of cancer treatment are an important part of the treatment process, and management of these effects is critical to the patient's overall health and treatment success. Therefore, a proactive approach and implementation of appropriate treatment strategies against cardiac side effects is required.