Chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity: how often does it really occur and how can it be prevented?

Heart Fail Clin. 2011 Jul;7(3):333-44. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2011.03.005. Epub 2011 May 14.

Abstract

Cardiotoxicity remains the limiting factor for many forms of cancer therapy and is the focus of growing research and clinical emphasis. This article outlines the current clinical evidence for left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure for the two most important classes of cardiotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, examines the potential pitfalls that have led to underestimated rates of left ventricular dysfunction from these agents, and reviews strategies for screening for and providing prophylaxis against chemotherapy-associated left ventricular dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological*
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques / methods*
  • Cardiotoxins
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Monitoring / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lapatinib
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Trastuzumab
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left* / chemically induced
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left* / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left* / epidemiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological
  • Cardiotoxins
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Lapatinib
  • Trastuzumab