Molecular mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity of novel cancer therapeutics

Abstract

Novel cancer therapeutics contribute to a steadily declining cancer mortality. However, several of these new therapies target pathways also involved in the cardiovascular system thus causing cardiotoxic side effects such as chemotherapy-induced heart failure (CIHF). This might limit the applicability of these effective treatments in a relevant number of patients. Furthermore, given the improving cancer survival rates, chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxic complications receive increasing attention given their potential impact on long-term morbidity and mortality. The understanding of molecular mechanisms that underlie CIHF is crucial for future improvement of pharmacodynamics of these therapeutics but also for developing specific interventions to prevent CIHF. Here, we discuss molecular mechanisms underlying CIHF of novel cancer therapeutics including a short synopsis on clinical management of patients suffering from CIHF.