Mechanism and management of cancer chemotherapy-induced atherosclerosis

Abstract

The advent of new chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic treatments has markedly improved outcomes in patients with cancer. However, increasing numbers of elderly patients with cancer and prolonged periods of treatment have made the management of cardiovascular complications and treatment-induced cardiotoxicity an important concern, and onco-cardiology has received increasing attention. The number of patients with cardiotoxicity, particularly atherosclerotic lesions, and the usage of angiogenesis inhibitors have increased, making the involvement of onco-cardiologists essential for effective disease management. A paradigm shift in immunotherapy was caused by the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Because vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) in the cancer microenvironment and cancer immune function are interrelated angiogenesis inhibitors will most likely play an increasingly important role in combined immunotherapy. To ensure the optimal long-term diagnosis and long-term treatment of cancer and the effective management of treatment-related atherosclerotic diseases, the long-term continuous participation of onco-cardiologists is essential.