Managing Cardiovascular Toxicities in Cancer Therapy

Cancer therapy advancements have significantly increased the survival rates and concurrently led to the rise of the subspeciality of cardio-oncology, due to the cardiovascular side effects associated with cancer therapy. A broad spectrum of cardiotoxic effects arises due to cancer therapy, such as structural damage, cardiac arrhythmias, hypercoagulability, thrombosis, and bleeding risks, ultimately resulting in acute or chronic heart failure. Timely interventions, including early identification of cardiac dysfunction, are adopted to improve clinical outcomes for oncology patients. This review explores the spectrum of cardiotoxic effects due to cancer therapy, as well as screening strategies for cardiovascular dysfunction. It also discusses the underlying mechanisms and risk factors that led to cardiac damage due to oncologic treatment. Prevention and management strategies include the use of modified chemotherapeutic agents, cardio-protectants such as dexrazoxane, medical cardio- protection using ACE inhibitors and ARBs, along with lifestyle modifications. The review also highlights future directions in biomarker-based early detection, monitoring, and targeted interventions of cardiovascular conditions in cancer patients.