Adverse cardiac effects associated with anticancer drugs
Piuhola, J.; Tenhunen, O.; Kerkelä, R.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 131(5): 441-447
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 26237906 Document Number: 680299
With the development of new protein kinases, antibodies, immunomodulators and hormonal treatments, significant progress has taken place in the last few years in the pharmacological treatment of cancers. At the same time, old cytotoxic drugs still remain in use. In regard to the heart, anthracyclines are the most problematic cytotoxic drugs, as they may cause cardiac insufficiency that is manifested only years after the treatment. Also trastuzumab and kinase inhibitors may cause cardiac insufficiency. Fluoropyrimidines cause myocardial ischemia for some patients. Treatments targeting VEGF inhibition are frequently associated with significant elevation of blood pressure.