Cardiomyopathy Prevention in Cancer Patients

Abstract

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and overt heart failure are well known manifestations of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. The development of LVSD is clinically significant because it can impact the delivery of lifesaving chemotherapy and increase the risk of developing heart failure, compromising quality of life and survival years after cure of the cancer. Cancer treatment-related cardiomyopathy is most commonly associated with anthracyclines and trastuzumab. Several interventions have been identified to prevent cancer-induced cardiomyopathy. Anthracyclines is a major culprit, and prevention strategies with limiting cumulative dose, continuous infusion, dexrazoxane, and liposomal formulation have been shown to decrease the risk of cardiotoxicity.

Keywords: Anthracyclines; Cardiomyopathy; Cardiovascular risk factors; Heart failure; Neurohormonal blockades; Prevention strategies; Trastuzumab.