Cardiotoxicity of molecularly targeted chemotherapeutic agents

Abstract

The explosion of knowledge regarding the molecular underpinnings of cancer has led to rapid and significant improvements in oncologic therapy. However, little has been done to carefully define the impacts of these new treatments on cardiovascular health and disease. Many newer agents, by virtue of overlapping targets in tumors and normal cardiovascular tissues, have significant short- and long-term effects on cardiovascular structure and function. In this chapter, we will review (1) the wide variety of targeted therapies currently in use and their known, and potential, cardiovascular side effects; (2) the currently limited clinical trial data regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of such side effects; and (3) the establishment and future of cardio-oncology as a novel field of research and clinical care.