Cardiotoxicity from Cancer Treatments
Experts at the Cardio-Oncology Program, a part of 秘密研究所 Langone Heart, review the types of cancer treatments that your oncologist recommends鈥攐r those you are already receiving鈥攖hat may raise your cardiotoxicity risk.
What Is Cardiotoxicity?
Certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies may lead to cardiotoxicity, meaning they can damage the heart muscle and impair its function. This happens because these treatments may affect heart cells directly or disrupt blood flow, causing inflammation or other complications. Cardiotoxicity raises the risk of developing a cardio-oncology condition.
Cancer Treatments That May Interfere with Heart Health
We also work with your oncologist to ensure you receive cancer treatment that optimizes your survival and quality of life, all while protecting your heart health. The following treatments can raise your cardiovascular risk:
- anthracyclines鈥攃hemotherapy drugs that can weaken the heart muscle, a risk that increases with higher cumulative doses or preexisting heart conditions
- VEGF inhibitors鈥攄rugs that may cause high blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke or may lead to heart failure
- HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab, a common treatment for breast cancer, can reduce heart function, particularly when used with anthracyclines.
- immunotherapies can cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or heart rhythm disorders
- high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy, used before stem cell transplants, can damage the heart, increasing the risk of cardiomyopathy, pericarditis (inflammation around the heart), or heart rhythm disorders
If you have a history of taking these medications, our cardio-oncologists can work with you to monitor and support your cardiovascular health.