Cardiotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents

Abstract

Cardiotoxicity is a well-established complication of antineoplastic agents. Cardiomyopathy resulting from anthracyclines is a classic example. In the past decade, an explosion of novel cancer therapies, often targeted and more specific than conventional therapies, has revolutionized oncology therapy and dramatically changed cancer prognosis. However, some of these therapies have introduced an assortment of cardiovascular complications. At times, these devastating outcomes have only become apparent after drug approval and have limited the use of potent therapies. There is a growing need for better testing platforms, both for cardiovascular toxicity screening and for elucidating mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of approved cancer therapies. Our book is a comprehensive summary of information of numerous antineoplastic agents and their cardiovascular adverse effects. Cardiac oncology is an exciting and ever-changing field, and we have attempted to synthesize information from all the major and relevant studies in the field in our book. The authors hope that their book serves as a valuable reference in the field of cardiac oncology for the clinicians who are actively involved in the management of patients receiving antineoplastic agents, including primary care physicians, cardiologists, cardiology fellows in training and oncologists.