Incidence of cardiotoxicity and validation of the Heart Failure Association-International Cardio-Oncology Society risk stratification tool in patients treated with trastuzumab for HER2-positive early breast cancer

Early prediction of cardiovascular events following treatments in female breast cancer patients: Application of real-world data and artificial intelligence

•Application of real-world data and artificial intelligence in detecting cardiotoxicity following cancer treatment. •Clinical features have been used to develop prediction models. •Important features include age, tumor size, hypertension, HbA1c, HDL, creatinine, bilirubin, BUN, ALT, and diabetes. •This study offers potential approaches for cardio-oncology clinical practice.

Tumor bearing in untreated breast cancer decreases exercise tolerance without lowering maximal oxygen uptake in rats

Breast cancer patients' maximal O2 uptake (V̇O2max) values average 60-80% of age-predicted values which is often attributed to adjuvant therapy rather than risk factors, comorbidities, or the tumor and associated factors (e.g., pro-inflammatory cytokines). It is crucial to understand the physiological mechanisms behind exercise intolerance in breast cancer patients to enhance targeted interventions; however, the effect of breast cancer, as an isolated condition on V̇O2max, exercise tolerance, and resting cardiac function has not been investigated. We hypothesized that breast cancer, in the absence of underlying conditions or chemotherapy, would lower V̇O2max, exercise tolerance, and cardiac function in proportion to tumor mass. Female Fischer-344 rats (~6-8 months, n = 8) were acclimatized to treadmill running for 5 days at 25 m/min for 5 min/day. To measure V̇O2max, rats were placed within a plexiglass metabolic chamber connected to CO2 and O2 analyzers. Tests began at 25 m/min and increased (5 m/min) until exhaustion. Cardiac function was determined by echocardiography before rats received a mammary intraductal injection of rat adenocarcinoma cells (MATBIII, 6 × 103 in 50 µl saline). Tumor growth was monitored daily and ~7 days following palpation (~24 days post-injection), V̇O2max and echocardiography measurements were repeated. Tumor mass and volume were 2.1 ± 0.6 g and 1685 ± 428 (range 256-3749) mm3, respectively. Body mass (217 ± 6 vs 218 ± 6 g), V̇O2max (72.1 ± 2.7 vs 70.0 ± 2.8 ml/kg·min; P > 0.05), and all measures of cardiac function were unchanged following tumor formation, with no significant correlation between tumor mass and V̇O2max (P > 0.05). However, time to exhaustion (376 ± 20 vs 297 ± 25 s), final treadmill speed (48 ± 1 vs 42 ± 2 m/s), distance run (209 ± 16 vs 152 ± 18 m), and total work (45 ± 3 vs 32 ± 4 m·kg) were significantly reduced with tumor bearing. Contrary to our hypothesis, breast cancer did not affect V̇O2max or cardiac function, but reduced exercise tolerance.

Cardio-oncology: chances and challenges

Cardio-oncology is an emerging field that aims to ensure optimal cancer treatment while minimising cardiovascular toxicity. The management of cardiovascular toxicity is critical because it can lead to premature discontinuation of treatment, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology guidelines were a milestone in advocating a patient-centred, multidisciplinary approach. Key components include risk stratification and a standardised criterion for adverse events, incorporating definitions from the International Cardio-Oncology Society. Effective risk stratification, supported by imaging and biomarkers, helps to anticipate cardiovascular problems and implement preventive measures. Future research should focus on understanding mechanisms, developing preventive strategies and implementing personalised medicine. Education and reducing disparities in care are essential to advance cardio-oncology and improve patient outcomes.

Cardiovascular Health in Breast Cancer: Survivorship Care

Improved screening and treatment have increased breast cancer survival rates, with over 7.8 million women surviving 5 years post-diagnosis globally. However, survivors face heightened cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to cancer treatment and patient related risk factors. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a discipline to manage cardiovascular health in patients throughout and following cancer treatment. This review focuses on strategies to optimize cardiovascular health in breast cancer survivors, aligning with ASCO's survivorship principles. Key strategies include risk stratification, primary prevention, lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic management, appropriate cardiovascular monitoring, and tailored exercise programs. Effective cardio-oncology care hinges on collaboration between specialists and patients, underscoring the significance of shared-care models and telemedicine options in survivorship management.

Immuno-related cardio-vascular adverse events associated with immuno-oncological treatments: an under-estimated threat for cancer patients

Immunotherapy represents an emergent and heterogeneous group of anticancer treatments harnessing the human immune-surveillance system, including immune-checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells (CAR-T) therapy, cancer vaccines and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) therapy. While remarkably effective against several malignancies, these therapies, often in combination with other cancer treatments, have showed unforeseen toxicity, including cardiovascular complications. The occurrence of immuno-mediated adverse (irAEs) events has been progressively reported in the last 10 years. These irAEs present an extended range of severity, from self-limiting to life-threatening conditions. Although recent guidelines in CardioOncology have provided important evidence in managing cancer treatments, they often encompass general approaches. However, a specific focus is required due to the particular etiology, unique risk factors, and associated side effects of immunotherapy. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the prevalence and nature of cardiovascular issues in patients undergoing immunotherapy, offering insights into strategies for risk stratification and management.

Risk Assessment Prior to Cardiotoxic Anticancer Therapies in 7 Steps

The burdens of cardiovascular (CV) diseases and cardiotoxic side effects of cancer treatment in oncology patients are increasing in parallel. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2022 Cardio-Oncology guidelines recommend the use of standardized risk stratification tools to determine the risk of cardiotoxicity associated with different anticancer treatment modalities and the severity of their complications. The use of the Heart Failure Association-International Cardio-Oncology Society (HFA-ICOS) is essential for assessing risk prior to starting cancer treatment, and validation of these methods has been performed in patients receiving anthracyclines, human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies and breakpoint cluster region-abelson oncogene locus (BCR-ABL) inhibitors. The benefits of performing baseline CV risk assessment and stratification include early recognition of cardiotoxicities, personalisation of cancer treatment and monitoring strategies, and allocation of cardioprotection to those at the highest risk. This review summarizes the key points of risk stratification in these patients. The steps include identifying the target population, assessing nonmodifiable and modifiable CV risk factors, reviewing previous oncologic therapies and CV histories, and performing baseline investigations. In summary, this review aims to provide general physicians with a simple 7-step guide that will help steer and navigate them through cardiac risk evaluation of potentially cardiotoxic oncologic treatment strategies.

Proposed framework regarding management of patients with breast cancer and anti-cancer treatment-related elevation in cardiac troponin

Cardiac biomarkers are a vital component within the first edition of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines in Cardio-Oncology. Specifically, they are mentioned in the definition of mild asymptomatic cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, where left ventricular systolic function is ≥50 % with two outcomes; either a new decrease in global longitudinal strain >15 % from baseline and/or a new rise in cardiac biomarkers above the defined 99th percentile cut off values. Cardiac troponin is one such biomarker. Many of the treatments for breast cancer have published data on cardiac dysfunction and/or cardiovascular toxicity, and such may lead to an elevation in cardiac troponin. However, there is conflicting and incomplete data regarding how to approach an elevated cardiac troponin during anti-cancer treatment, which has confounded patient care in the clinical trial setting. We propose a novel framework to guide physicians in treatment-related elevation of cardiac troponin in the breast cancer population. Secondly, the additive role which the recommendation that cardiac troponin carries within mild asymptomatic definitions of CTRCD is the subject of great debate. We suggest a reflection on the role of biomarkers, specifically in reference to cardiac troponin.

Breast cancer and cardiovascular health

Modern cancer therapies greatly improve clinical outcomes for both early and advanced breast cancer patients. However, these advances have raised concerns about potential short- and long-term toxicities, including cardiovascular toxicities. Therefore, understanding the common risk factors and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular toxicity is essential to ensure best breast cancer outcomes. While cardio-oncology has emerged as a sub-speciality to address these challenges, it is essential that all cardiologists recognize and understand the cardiovascular consequences of cancer therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential adverse cardiovascular effects associated with modern breast cancer therapies. A preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic workflow to minimize the impact of cardiovascular toxicity on patient outcomes is presented. Key aspects of this workflow include regular monitoring of cardiovascular function, early detection and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicities, and optimization of cardiovascular risk factor control. By highlighting the gaps in knowledge in some areas, this review aims to emphasize the critical role of cardio-oncology research in ensuring the holistic well-being of patients with breast cancer.

Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity in Adult Cancer Patients: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review

Since their introduction in the 1960s, anthracyclines have been a significant breakthrough in oncology, introducing dramatic changes in the treatment of solid and hematologic malignancies. Although new-generation targeted drugs and cellular therapies are revolutionizing contemporary oncology, anthracyclines remain the cornerstone of treatment for lymphomas, acute leukemias, and soft tissue sarcomas. However, their clinical application is limited by a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity that can reduce cardiac performance and eventually lead to overt heart failure. The field of cardio-oncology has emerged to safeguard the cardiovascular health of cancer patients receiving these therapies. It focuses on controlling risk factors, implementing preventive strategies, ensuring appropriate surveillance, and managing complications. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the current indications for anthracyclines in modern oncology, explores recent evidence on pathophysiology and epidemiology, and discusses advances in cardioprotection measures in the anthracycline-treated patient. Additionally, it highlights key clinical challenges and research gaps in this area.

Haemodynamic Forces: Emerging Markers of Ventricular Remodelling in Multiple Myeloma Cardiovascular Baseline Risk Assessment

Multiple myeloma (MM) affects a population with a high prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease. These patients benefit from an accurate CV risk evaluation in order to choose the safest drug regimen. Haemodynamic forces (HDFs) analysis allows for the earlier detection of myocardial damage compared with standard markers; the role played by MM in HDFs alteration, with or without the influence of hypertension, is yet to be studied. Therefore, we aimed to identify differences in HDFs analysis in patients with MM, hypertension or both versus normotensive non-oncologic subjects. A total of 173 patients (MM hypertensive patients, MMHT; MM normotensive patients, MMNT; non-oncologic hypertensive patients, CoHT; and non-oncologic normotensive patients, CoNT) underwent transthoracic echocardiography for HDFs analysis and pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment. Hypertensive patients (MMHT, CoHT) showed decreased ejection fraction (EF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and HDFs values compared with CoNT, whereas ventricular mass (LVMi) and PWV increased. MMNT displayed a significant reduction in systolic HDFs (p < 0.006) and systolic ejection HDFs (p < 0.008) compared with CoNT, without significant change in EF, GLS, LVMi or PWV. In conclusion, MM leads to ventricular remodelling regardless of hypertension; HDFs application for MM patients could help detect early myocardial damage, especially in patients receiving cardiotoxic drugs.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement before to breast cancer management: case report and literature review

Background

The coexistence of aortic stenosis (AS) and neoplastic pathology are common due to shared risk factors with atherosclerotic disease, such as diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and smoking. Severe AS in patients with cancer requires careful assessment in order to select the appropriate therapeutic choices and their timing (i.e. valve treatment first vs. cancer treatment first).

Case summary

A 66-year-old woman with a history of smoking was admitted to our centre due to heart failure (HF). During her hospitalization, severe AS with severe ventricular dysfunction and cancer were documented. Because of her severe heart disease, she was unable to receive antineoplastic treatment. Therefore, she underwent percutaneous surgery to treat the aortic valve. After that, the management of cancer became possible, which included bilateral radical mastectomy and chemotherapy.We are presenting a case of cancer coexisting with aortic stenosis and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction. In this case, we performed Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) with the aim of improving the ejection fraction, followed by chemotherapy.

Discussion

Cancer patients may be further disadvantaged by AS if it interferes with their treatment by increasing the risk associated with oncologic surgery and compounding the risks associated with cardiotoxicity and HF. Clinical trials and guidelines on TAVR exclude cohorts with limited life expectancy. Hence, the correct and optimal care for cancer patients with severe AS is complex. The TAVR, for cancer patients with severe AS, can more frequently be the best clinical choice by avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass, minimal invasiveness, and therefore, shorter recovery time.

Use of new and emerging cancer drugs: what the cardiologist needs to know

The last decade has witnessed a paradigm shift in cancer therapy, from non-specific cytotoxic chemotherapies to agents targeting specific molecular mechanisms. Nonetheless, cardiovascular toxicity of cancer therapies remains an important concern. This is particularly relevant given the significant improvement in survival of solid and haematological cancers achieved in the last decades. Cardio-oncology is a subspecialty of medicine focusing on the identification and prevention of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). This review will examine the new definition of CTR-CVT and guiding principles for baseline cardiovascular assessment and risk stratification before cancer therapy, providing take-home messages for non-specialized cardiologists.

Risk Prediction, Diagnosis and Management of a Breast Cancer Patient with Treatment-Related Cardiovascular Toxicity: An Essential Overview

Breast cancer is amongst the most common invasive cancers in adults. There are established relationships between anti-cancer treatments for breast cancer and cardiovascular side effects. In recent years, novel anti-cancer treatments have been established, as well as the availability of multi-modal cardiac imaging and the sophistication of treatment for cardiac disease. This review provides an in-depth overview regarding the interface of breast cancer and cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. Specifically, it reviews the pathophysiology of breast cancer, the method of action in therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity from anti-cancer treatment, the use of echocardiography, cardiac CT, MRI, or nuclear medicine as diagnostics, and the current evidence-based treatments available. It is intended to be an all-encompassing review for clinicians caring for patients in this situation.

Heart failure related to contemporary breast cancer treatment

ABSTRACT

This article addresses cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer who are treated with anthracyclines and/or anti-human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) therapy, namely doxorubicin and trastuzumab. Development of concise clinical guidelines for chemotherapy-induced heart failure is ongoing. Through identification of specific risk factors and clinical predictors of cardiotoxicity, clinicians are able to better understand and define effective monitoring strategies and optimize patient care. Close cardiac monitoring is recommended for patients throughout treatment with anthracyclines and anti-HER2 therapy. Pretreatment risk assessment with echocardiography and evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors aid in predicting the development of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Further clinical trials are needed to increase understanding and optimize treatment guidelines for LV dysfunction in patients taking anthracyclines or anti-HER2 therapy.

Trastuzumab in patients with breast cancer and pre-existing left ventricular systolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Trastuzumab is one of the most effective treatments in HER-2 positive breast cancer patients. However, it is associated with development of cardiomyopathy/heart failure (HF) which is often a limiting side effect and associated with overall adverse outcomes. As a result, patients with pre-existing LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) are often excluded from receiving anti-HER-2 therapy, which may lead to less effective cancer treatment and worse prognosis.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aims to evaluate the safety of trastuzumab in patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer and pre-existing LVSD.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 36 consecutive patients at a single center in Iran with HER-2 positive breast cancer with asymptomatic mild LVSD with LVEF 40-53% without heart failure symptoms and those who were closely followed in the Cardio-Oncology clinic before initiating the treatment and then every two cycles of trastuzumab were included. As per the program standard protocol they received a beta-blocker (carvedilol) and ACE-I (Lisinopril), up to the maximum tolerated dose, if there were no contraindications. Patients underwent routine echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessment every 3 months per guideline recommendations and were followed up 6 months after the end of treatment. Primary composite outcomes included myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure(HF) symptoms and cardiovascular death. Secondary outcome was ≥ 10% reduction in LVEF or ≥ 15% reduction in GLS compared to baseline. If the LVEF decreased below 40%, the treatment was temporarily interrupted for one or two cycles, and spironolactone was added to the patient's treatment. If the LVEF improved ≥ 40%, trastuzumab was rechallenged. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. Software. Patients' characteristics were reported using descriptive statistics, and its association with drop in LVEF or GLS was assessed using Pearson chi-square or Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were included in the study. Primary composite outcome was noted in 1(2.8%) patient. LVEF reduction of ≥ 10% occurred in 6(16.7%) of the patients, and a GLS reduction of more than 15% was detected in 4 (11.1%) of the patients. There was a significant association between a ≥ 10% reduction in LVEF and baseline systolic blood pressure (P-value: 0.04). LVEF reduction below 40% was observed in 3 (8.3%) patients, where trastuzumab was interrupted. All of these three patients had obesity (Median BMI 34.11, IQR 9.12) and uncontrolled HTN, and one of them had symptoms of heart failure (NYHA class II), for whom the trastuzumab treatment was discontinued. Among two patients, after the temporary interruption of trastuzumab, and addition of spironolactone, LVEF improved to above 40%, and the treatment was restarted with close cardiac monitoring; therefore, they could complete the entire one-year treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with trastuzumab seems to be safe in patients with pre-existing LVSD (LVEF = 40-53%). Such high-risk patients should be strictly monitored and cardiovascular risk factors, such as HTN should be regulated.

The added value of the HFA/ICOS score in the prediction of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology recommend baseline cardiovascular risk stratification before starting anticancer drugs, using the new risk assessment tools proposed by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) and the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS).Our study aimed to assess the clinical application of HFA/ICOS risk score in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and its usefulness in predicting the development of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD).

METHODS

A prospective multicentric study enrolled 109 breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. A cardiological evaluation, including ECG and echocardiogram at baseline (T0), 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 months (T3) after starting treatment was performed. HFA/ICOS score was assessed in all patients. The population was divided into low, medium, high, and very-high risk.During follow-up, CTRCD and other cardiovascular events have been evaluated.

RESULTS

61 patients were low risk, 37 medium, 9 high, 2 very-high risk criteria. We found a significantly higher incidence of overall cardiotoxicity (CTRCD and other cardiovascular events) in the very-high risk group (100%) compared with the medium (29%) and low risk groups (13%). CTRCD incidence was also significantly higher in the high risk group (55%). CTRCD resulted as being associated with baseline arterial hypertension and baseline HFA/ICOS risk score of high ( p  = 0.006) or very-high ( p  < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms the HFA/ICOS score's ability to predict cardiovascular toxicity in breast cancer women and the need for close monitoring especially in high and very-high risk patients.

Real-world impact of dual anti-HER2 antibodies on cardiac function in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer

•101 patients with HER2+ MBC on pertuzumab and trastuzumab were included. •Most observed cardiotoxicity were mild, all occurred early within 24 months. •Presence of cardiovascular co-morbidities predicts treatment cardiotoxicity. •Risk-stratified de-escalation of long-term cardiac surveillance should be discussed.

Women's cardiovascular health - the cardio-oncologic jigsaw

Improvements in cancer care have led to an exponential increase in cancer survival. This is particularly the case for breast cancer, where 5-year survival in Australia exceeds 90%. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as one of the competing causes of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors, both as a complication of cancer therapies and because the risk factors for cancer are shared with those for CVD. In this review we cover the key aspects of cardiovascular care for women throughout their cancer journey: the need for baseline cardiovascular risk assessment and management, a crucial component of the cardiovascular care; the importance of long-term surveillance for ongoing maintenance of cardiovascular health; and strong evidence for the beneficial effects of physical exercise to improve both cancer and cardiovascular outcomes. There is general disparity in cardiovascular outcomes for women, which is further exacerbated when both CVD and cancer co-exist. Collaboration between oncology and cardiac services, with an emergence of the whole field of cardio-oncology, allows for expedited investigation and treatment for these patients. This collaboration as well as a holistic approach to patient care and key role of patients' general practitioners are essential to ensure long-term health of people living with, during and beyond cancer.

Effect of chemotherapy in tumor on coronary arteries: Mechanisms and management

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important contributor to the cardiovascular burden in cancer survivors. The development of coronary ischemia events, myocardial infarction, and heart failure has been associated with many conventional chemotherapeutic agents, new targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The most frequent pathological manifestations of chemotherapy-mediated coronary damage include acute vasospasm, acute thrombosis, accelerated atherosclerosis development, and microvascular dysfunction. Potential screening techniques for CAD patients include baseline risk factor evaluation, polygenic risk factors, and coronary artery calcium scores. Determining the risk requires consideration of both the type of chemotherapy and the type of cancer being treated. Cardiology-oncology guidelines offer some suggestions for the care of coronary artery disease, which might involve medication, lifestyle changes, and coronary revascularization.

Features of trastuzumab-related cardiac dysfunction: deformation analysis outside left ventricular global longitudinal strain

Background

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction due to trastuzumab has been well-known for many years, and echocardiographic surveillance is recommended every 3 months in patients undergoing trastuzumab treatment, irrespective of the baseline cardiotoxicity risk. However, the potential harm and cost of overscreening in low- and moderate-risk patients have become great concerns.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the incidence of early cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) and the behaviours of left and right heart deformations during trastuzumab chemotherapy in low- and moderate-risk patients.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 110 anthracycline-naïve women with breast cancer and cardiovascular risk factors who were scheduled to receive trastuzumab. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), and right ventricular and left atrial longitudinal strains were evaluated using echocardiography at baseline, before every subsequent cycle and 3 weeks after the final dose of trastuzumab. The baseline risk of CTRCD was graded according to the risk score proposed by the Heart Failure Association (HFA) Cardio-Oncology Working Group and the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS). CTRCD and its severity were defined according to the current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines.

Results

Twelve (10.9%) patients had asymptomatic CTRCD. All CTRCD occurred sporadically during the first 9 months of the active trastuzumab regimen in both low- and moderate-risk patients. While CTRCD was graded as moderate severity in 41.7% of patients and heart failure therapy was initiated promptly, no irreversible cardiotoxicity or trastuzumab interruption was recorded at the end of follow-up. Among the left and right heart deformation indices, only LV-GLS decreased significantly in the CTRCD group during the trastuzumab regimen.

Conclusions

CTRCD is prevalent in patients with non-high-risk breast cancer undergoing trastuzumab chemotherapy. Low- and moderate-risk patients show distinct responses to trastuzumab. The LV-GLS is the only deformation index sensitive to early trastuzumab-related cardiac dysfunction.

Mild Cardiotoxicity and Continued Trastuzumab Treatment in the Context of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Trastuzumab, the main HER2-targeted treatment, faces limitations due to potential cardiotoxicity. The management of patients with mild cardiotoxicity on trastuzumab remains uncertain, resulting in treatment discontinuation and negative oncological outcomes. This retrospective study analyzed 23 patients who experienced decreased left ventricular function during trastuzumab treatment. During the 18-month follow-up period, two patients (9%) had severe declines in function, leading to treatment cessation, and one patient (4%) developed heart failure symptoms. However, 21 patients showed mild, reversible myocardial dysfunction without significant differences in final ventricular function compared to a control group (58.4% vs. 61.7%, respectively; p = 0.059). The declines in function were most pronounced at nine months but improved at twelve and eighteen months. Various echocardiographic parameters changed significantly over time. As predictors of severe cardiotoxicity, we identified the following: LVEF before initial chemotherapy (p = 0.022), as well as baseline LVEF before treatment with trastuzumab (p = 0.007); initial left ventricular end systolic volume (p = 0.027); and the initial global longitudinal strain (p = 0.021) and initial velocity time integral in the left ventricular outflow track (p = 0.027). In conclusion, the continuation of trastuzumab should be considered for most patients with mild cardiotoxicity, with close cardiac monitoring and cardioprotective measures. However, identifying the patients at risk of developing severe cardiotoxicity is necessary. According to our data, the initial LVEF and GLS levels appear to be reliable predictors.

Cardiovascular health: an important component of cancer survivorship

Advances in the detection and treatment of cancer have translated into improved cancer survival rates and a growing population of cancer survivors. These include those living with cancer and individuals free of the disease following treatment. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that cancer survivors are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with cardiovascular (CV) mortality overtaking cancer mortality in some tumour types. Cancer and CVD share common aetiological risk factors, for example, age, tobacco use and obesity, as well as a shared inflammatory pathogenesis. The CV risks of mediastinal radiotherapy and chemotherapy, first observed in the 1970s with anthracyclines, have long been appreciated. More recently, targeted anticancer therapeutics (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 targeted therpies, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, second/third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitors, multiple myeloma therapies and combination RAF and MEK inhibitors in particular) as well as immunotherapies have added to the burden of treatment-related CV toxicity. Additionally, cancer therapy may indirectly impact on CV health by decreasing physical activity, increasing weight gain and accelerating the ageing process. Improving overall health outcomes by considering cardiological prevention and management in cancer survivorship is an area of increasing interest. CV risk factor assessment and management are recommended post-cancer treatment in accordance with primary prevention guidelines. The European Society of Cardiology 2022 guidelines also recommend enhanced surveillance after cancer treatments with a moderate to high risk of CV consequences. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the interconnections between cancer and CVD, review current survivorship recommendations, and highlight key areas of ongoing and future research.

Nomogram for Predicting Risk of Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is an important treatment-limiting toxicity for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer that adversely affects cancer and cardiovascular outcomes. Easy-to-use tools that incorporate readily accessible clinical variables for individual estimation of CTRCD risk are needed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 2004 to 2013, 1440 patients with stage I to III HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab-based therapy were identified. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify risk factors for CTRCD and included the 1377 patients in whom data were complete. Nine clinical variables, including age, race, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure, coronary artery disease, diabetes, arrhythmia, and anthracycline exposure were built into a nomogram estimating risk of CTRCD at 1 year. The nomogram was validated for calibration and discrimination using bootstrap resampling. A total of 177 CTRCD events occurred within 1 year of HER2-targeted treatment. The nomogram for prediction of 1-year CTRCD probability demonstrated good discrimination, with a concordance index of 0.687. The predicted and observed probabilities of CTRCD were similar, demonstrating good model calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

A nomogram composed of 9 readily accessible clinical variables provides an individualized 1-year risk estimate of CTRCD among women with HER2-positive breast cancer receiving HER2-targeted therapy. This nomogram represents a simple-to-use tool for clinicians and patients that can inform clinical decision-making on breast cancer treatment options, optimal frequency of cardiac surveillance, and role of cardioprotective strategies.

Sacubitril/valsartan for cardioprotection in breast cancer (MAINSTREAM): design and rationale of the randomized trial

AIMS

In recent years, survival in patients with breast cancer has increased. Despite the improvement in outcomes of those patients, the risk of treatment-related cardiotoxicity remains high, and its presence has been associated with a higher risk of treatment termination and thus lower therapeutic efficacy. Prior trials demonstrated that a preventive initiation of heart failure drugs, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitors, might reduce the risk of treatment-related cardiotoxicity. However, to date, no study investigated the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan, a novel antineurohormonal drug shown to be superior to the previous therapies, in the prevention of cardiotoxicity in patients with early-stage breast cancer, which is the aim of the trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

MAINSTREAM is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicentre, clinical trial. After the run-in period, a total of 480 patients with early breast cancer undergoing treatment with anthracyclines and/or anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 drugs will be randomized to the highest tolerated dose of sacubitril/valsartan, being preferably 97/103 mg twice daily or placebo in 1:1 ratio. The patients will be monitored, including routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and laboratory biomarker monitoring, for 24 months. The primary endpoint of the trial will be the occurrence of a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction by ≥5% in TTE within 24 months. The key secondary endpoints will be the composite endpoint of death from any cause or hospitalization for heart failure, as well as other imaging, laboratory, and clinical outcomes, including the occurrence of the cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction resulting in the necessity to initiate treatment. The first patients are expected to be recruited in the coming months, and the estimated completion of the study and publication of the results are expected in December 2027, pending recruitment.

CONCLUSIONS

The MAINSTREAM trial will determine the efficacy and safety of treatment with sacubitril/valsartan as a prevention of cardiotoxicity in patients with early breast cancer (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT05465031).

Risk prediction models for antineoplastic-associated cardiotoxicity in treatment of breast cancer: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The objective of this systematic review is to assess methodology of published models to predict the risk of antineoplastic-associated cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase for studies that developed or validated a multivariable risk prediction model. Data extraction and quality assessments were performed according to the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST).

RESULTS

We identified 2,816 unique publications and included 8 eligible studies (7 new risk models and 1 validation of a risk stratification tool) that modeled risk with trastuzumab (n = 5), anthracyclines (n = 2), and anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab (n = 1). The most common final predictors were previous or concomitant chemotherapy (n = 5) and age (n = 4). Three studies incorporated measures of myocardial mechanics that may not be frequently available. Model discrimination was reported in 7 studies (range of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.56-0.88), while calibration was reported in 1 study. Internal and external validation were performed in 4 studies and 1 study, respectively. Using the PROBAST methodology, we rated the overall risk of bias as high for 7 of 8 studies and unclear for 1 study. Concerns for applicability were low for all studies.

CONCLUSION

Among 8 models to predict the risk of cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic agents for breast cancer, 7 were rated as having a high risk of bias and all had low concerns for clinical applicability. Most evaluated studies reported positive measures of model performance but did not perform external validation. Efforts to improve development and reporting of these models to facilitate their use in practice are warranted.

Cardiovascular Toxicity of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Guide for Clinicians

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment and care of patients with cancer owing to unique features, including the occurrence of the so-called immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A multidisciplinary team, possibly including a cardio-oncology specialist, is warranted to achieve a favorable patient outcome. Cardiovascular toxicity, especially myocarditis, emerged as a life-threatening irAE in the real-word setting, and the European Society of Cardiology has recently published the first guideline on cardio-oncology to increase awareness and promote a standardized approach to tackle this complex multimodal issue, including diagnostic challenges, assessment, treatment, and surveillance of patients with cancer receiving ICIs. In this article, through a question & answer format made up of case vignettes, we offer a clinically oriented overview on the latest advancements of ICI-related cardiovascular toxicity, focusing on myocarditis and associated irAEs (myositis and myasthenia gravis within the so-called overlap syndrome), with the purpose of assisting clinicians and healthcare professionals in daily clinical practice.

Cardiovascular toxicity from therapies for light chain amyloidosis

Amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a hematological disorder characterized by abnormal proliferation of a plasma cell clone producing monoclonal free light chains that misfold and aggregate into insoluble fibrils in various tissues. Cardiac involvement is a common feature leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy and poor prognosis. Current first-line treatments aim at achieving hematological response by targeting the plasma cell clones, and these have been adapted from multiple myeloma therapy. Patients with AL amyloidosis often exhibit multiorgan involvement, making them susceptible to cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. Managing AL amyloidosis is a complex issue that requires enhanced knowledge of the cardio-oncological implications of hematological treatments. Future research should focus on implementing and validating primary and secondary prevention strategies and understanding the biochemical basis of oncological therapy-related damage to mitigate cardiovascular toxicity.

Association between insulin resistance and cardiac remodeling in HER2-positive breast cancer patients: a real-world study

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance is an overlapping risk factor for both heart and breast cancer, while its interaction with cardiotoxicity in breast cancer (BC) patients is not clear. This study investigated the impact of insulin resistance on cardiac remodeling in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BC during and after trastuzumab therapy in real-world clinical practice.

METHODS

HER2-positive BC patients who received trastuzumab treatment between December 2012 and December 2017 were reviewed and 441 patients with baseline metabolic indices and serial echocardiographic measurements (baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months) after trastuzumab therapy initiation were included. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to evaluate temporal trends in multiparameter echocardiography. Linear mixed model was applied to further evaluate the role of insulin resistance in forementioned changes. Correlation of homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) levels to changes in echocardiography parameters was explored.

RESULTS

Of 441 patients (mean age 54 ± 10 [SD] years), 61.8% received anthracycline-based chemotherapy, 33.5% received left-sided radiotherapy, 46% received endocrine therapy. No symptomatic cardiac dysfunction was observed over the therapy course. A total of 19 (4.3%) participants experienced asymptomatic cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), and the peak onset time was 12 months after the initiation of trastuzumab. Albeit relatively low CTRCD incidence, cardiac geometry remodeling, especially left atrial (LA) dilation over therapy was notable and was more severe in high HOMA-IR and TyG level groups (P < 0.01). Noteworthy, a partial reversibility of cardiac remodeling was observed with treatment cessation. Additionally, HOMA-IR level positively correlated to changes in LA diameter from baseline to 12 months (r = 0.178, P = 0.003). No significant association (all P > 0.10) was detected between HOMA-IR or TyG level and dynamic left ventricular parameter evaluation. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that higher HOMA-IR level was an independent determinant for LA enlargement in BC patients during anti-HER2 targeted therapy course after adjusting for confounding risk factors (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Insulin resistance was associated with left atrial adverse remodeling (LAAR) in HER2-positive BC patients that received standard trastuzumab therapy, indicating that insulin resistance could be a supplementation to baseline cardiovascular risk stratification proforma for HER2-targeted antitumor therapies.

Does cardiac imaging surveillance strategy influence outcomes in patients with early breast cancer?

Background

Many patients with breast cancer receive therapies with the potential to cause cardiotoxicity. Echocardiography and multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scans are the most used modalities to assess cardiac function during treatment in high-risk patients; however, the optimal imaging strategy and the impact on outcome are unknown.

Methods

Consecutive patients with stage 0-3 breast cancer undergoing pre-treatment echocardiography or MUGA were identified from a tertiary care cancer center from 2010-2019. Demographics, medical history, imaging data and clinical events were collected from hospital charts and administrative databases. The primary outcome is a composite of all-cause death or heart failure event. Clinical and imaging predictors of outcome were evaluated on univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

1028 patients underwent pre-treatment MUGA and 1032 underwent echocardiography. The groups were well matched for most clinical characteristics except patients undergoing MUGA were younger, had more stage 3 breast cancer and more HER2 over-expressing and triple negative cases. Routine follow-up cardiac imaging scan was obtained in 39.3% of patients with MUGA and 38.0% with echocardiography. During a median follow-up of 2448 (1489, 3160) days, there were 194 deaths, including 7 cardiovascular deaths, and 28 heart failure events with no difference in events between the MUGA and echocardiography groups. There were no imaging predictors of the primary composite outcome or cardiac events. Patients without follow-up imaging had similar adjusted risk for the composite outcome compared to those with imaging follow-up, hazard ratio 0.8 (95% confidence interval 0.5,1.3), p=0.457.

Conclusion

The selection of pretreatment echocardiography or MUGA did not influence the risk of death or heart failure in patients with early breast cancer. Many patients did not have any follow-up cardiac imaging and did not suffer worse outcomes. Cardiovascular deaths and heart failure event rates were low and the value of long-term cardiac imaging surveillance should be further evaluated.

The 2022 European Society of Cardiology Cardio-oncology Guidelines in Focus

The expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium available to oncologists and haematologists has led to a significant improvement in cancer survival; however, many of the available treatments carry a risk of toxicity to the heart. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a rapidly developing subspeciality dedicated to improving the cardiovascular care of patients before, during and after cancer treatment. The 2022 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardio-oncology provide a comprehensive overview of best-practice recommendations for cardiovascular care aimed at healthcare professionals treating cancer patients. The main focus of the guidelines is to ensure patients can complete their cancer treatment without significant cardiotoxicity and the correct follow-up for the first 12 months following treatment and beyond is instituted. The guidelines provide harmonisation of baseline risk stratification and toxicity definitions and encompass recommendations for all the major classes of therapy used in modern oncology and haematology. This review summarises the key points from the guidelines document.

Cardiac toxicity of chemotherapy for breast cancer: do angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers protect?

Cardiotoxicity is a relatively frequent and potentially serious side effect of anticancer treatments, particularly anthracyclines and trastuzumab, widely used in the treatment of breast cancer. The increase in cancer survivors has generated a growing interest in the prevention of cardiotoxicity. Although early studies suggested an overall benefit on cardiac function with the use of ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and beta blockers (BBs), more recent randomized trials have demonstrated little or no effect of pharmacological interventions. Even the various meta-analyses conducted in this area have provided weak results in favour of cardioprotective therapies for which the benefit would not always justify the risk of developing side effects. Given the incompleteness of the evidence, there is no clear consensus on which patients should initiate cardioprotective therapy. As recommended in the new guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology, risk stratification before treatment is crucial to identify high-risk patients who would benefit most from the use of cardioprotective therapy. Randomized trials are currently underway to evaluate other therapeutic strategies such as sacubitril/valsartan, and the possibility of using gliflozins in the future cannot be excluded. However, rigorous control and treatment of risk factors remain the primary focus in the management of these patients.

Heart Failure Association-International Cardio-Oncology Society Risk Score Validation in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

This paper looks to validate the risk score from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology and the International Cardio-Oncology Society (HFA-ICOS) for predicting potential cardiotoxicity from anticancer therapy for patients positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.

METHODS

A total of 507 patients with at least five years since index diagnosis of breast cancer were retrospectively divided according to the HFA-ICOS risk proforma. According to level of risk, these groups were assessed for rates of cardiotoxicity via mixed-effect Bayesian logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A follow-up of five years observed cardiotoxicity of 3.3% (n = 3) in the low-risk, 3.3% (n = 10) in the medium-risk, 4.4% (n = 6) in the high-risk, and 38% (n = 6) in the very-high-risk groups respectively. For cardiac events related to treatment, the risk was significantly higher for the very-high-risk category of HFA-ICOS compared to other categories (Beta = 3.1, 95% CrI: 1.5, 4.8). For overall cardiotoxicity related to treatment, the area under the curve was 0.643 (CI 95%: 0.51, 0.76), with 26.1% (95% CI: 8%, 44%) sensitivity and 97.9% (95% CI: 96%, 99%) specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The HFA-ICOS risk score has moderate power in predicting cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

ABSDELL Model: Development and Internal Validation of a Risk Prediction Model of LVEF Decline in Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Trastuzumab

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

This study aims to establish an integrated model for predicting trastuzumab-associated decline of Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during drug administration.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 212 women who diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer and treated with chemotherapy and trastuzumab was conducted. Medical records were collected from 6 months before staring trastuzumab to 3 years afterwards. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select variables, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration plots were used to evaluate the model. The adjusted C-index and Brier scores were calculated using a bootstrap internal validation procedure.

RESULTS

The median age of participants is 53.2 years old. The median length of follow-up was 336 days. There were 72 patients (33.96%) whose LVEF declined ≥ 10% (10 absolute percent points). Seven factors, namely age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mitral peak E-wave velocity (E-wave), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and LVEF, were selected. The name of the ABSDELL model was formed by the initials of each predictor. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.802 in 1 year and 0.881 in 3 years. Calibration plots indicate the predicted and actual probabilities were highly consistent. In the internal validation, 1-year and 3-year adjusted C-index was 0.801 and 0.881, and adjusted Brier score was 0.118 and 0.091, separately.

CONCLUSION

The ABSDELL model can effectively predicts the probability of LVEF decline in breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab.

Essentials of cardio-oncology

Cardio-oncology is a subspecialty that provides cardiac care for patients with cancer. Newer oncological agents have not only increased survivorship, but also sprouted novel cardiovascular toxicity (CVT) involving any component of the cardiovascular system, albeit with some preferential targets. Patients with cancer should undergo a baseline cardiovascular risk assessment and have individualised surveillance planned during cancer therapy and post treatment. The early diagnosis of CVT, by clinical history and examination along with imaging and laboratory analysis, is paramount. Management includes cardioprotective strategies and multidisciplinary decision-making regarding the risk-benefit ratio of oncological treatment based on CVT.

Trastuzumab therapy duration in HER2-positive de novo metastatic breast cancer: 1999-2018

PURPOSE

The optimal duration of first-line trastuzumab (T) treatment for de novo stage IV HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients after complete response (CR) is not known.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of de novo stage IV HER2-positive MBC patients who had trastuzumab included in their initial treatment (n = 69), 1999-2018, was conducted with follow-up for CR, progressive disease (PD), vital status, and disease-specific survival (DSS). Statistics included Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Mean trastuzumab treatment time was 4.1 years (range 0.1-15). 54% of patients experienced CR at average time 9 months on treatment (n = 37). Eight CR patients discontinued T treatment after 18 months average post-CR time (range 0-86) and twenty-nine stayed on T treatment post CR [average 65 months (range 10-170)]. Average follow-up was 6 years, range 1-15 years. 5-year DSS was 92% for CR on T patients (N = 29); 88% CR off T (n = 8); 73% No CR on T (n = 14); and 29% No CR off T (n = 18) (p < 0.001). In forward Cox proportional hazards modeling, CR = yes [HzR = 0.31, (95% CI 0.14, 0.73), p = 0.007], continuous T treatment > 2 years [HzR = 0.24, (95% CI 0.10, 0.62), p = 0.003], and age < 65 [HzR = 0.29, (95% CI 0.11, 0.81), p = 0.018] were significantly associated with better DSS.

CONCLUSION

Maximum trastuzumab treatment time to CR was 27 months with 2 or more years trastuzumab treatment independently associated with better survival. Survival comparisons and hazard modeling both indicate as good or better survival associated with continuous trastuzumab treatment regardless of CR status. Word count (n = 250).

Involvement of kallikrein-PAR2-proinflammatory pathway in severe trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity

Trastuzumab‐induced cardiotoxicity interferes with continued treatment in approximately 10% of patients with ErbB2‐positive breast cancer, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we recruited trastuzumab‐treated patients with ≥30% reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (SP) and noncardiotoxic patients (NP). From each of these patients, we established three cases of induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (pt‐iPSC‐CMs). Reduced contraction and relaxation velocities following trastuzumab treatment were more evident in SP pt‐iPSC‐CMs than NP pt‐iPSC‐CMs, indicating the cardiotoxicity phenotype could be replicated. Differences in ATP production, reactive oxygen species, and autophagy activity were observed between the two groups. Analysis of transcripts revealed enhanced kallikrein5 expression and pro‐inflammatory signaling pathways, such as interleukin‐1β, in SP pt‐iPSC‐CMs after trastuzumab treatment. The kallilkrein5‐protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2)‐MAPK signaling pathway was more activated in SP pt‐iPSC‐CMs, and treatment with a PAR2‐antagonist suppressed interleukin‐1β expression. Our data indicate enhanced pro‐inflammatory responses through kallikrein5‐PAR2 signaling and vulnerability to external stresses appear to be the cause of trastuzumab‐induced cardiotoxicity in SP.

Baseline cardiac function checkup in patients with gastric or breast cancer receiving trastuzumab or anthracyclines

BACKGROUND

Although trastuzumab and anthracyclines are frequently used to treat breast cancer (BC) and gastric cancer (GC), cardiotoxicity is a serious concern. The cardiac function assessment is recommended at baseline before initiating treatment. However, the prevalence rates of baseline cardiac checkups are unknown.

METHODS

The national database of hospital-based cancer registries linked to the health services-utilization data was used to study patients with newly diagnosed stage IV BC and GC (n = 6271) who received trastuzumab (n = 4324, 69.0%) or anthracyclines between January 2012 and December 2015. The baseline ultrasound echocardiogram (UCG) performance rate and factors related to adequate UCG performance for all patients and those receiving trastuzumab were analyzed.

RESULTS

The adequate baseline UCG checkup rate was higher in patients treated with trastuzumab than in those treated with anthracyclines (71.8% vs 44.1%, respectively). Additionally, patients with GC were less likely to receive an adequate baseline UCG performance than those with BC (70.4% vs 75.0%, respectively). After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with anthracycline-treated BC and GC were less likely to receive adequate baseline UCG performance than those with trastuzumab-treated BC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-0.28, and OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.03-0.16, respectively). Furthermore, patients with trastuzumab-treated GC were less likely to receive adequate baseline UCG performance than those with BC (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

The baseline UCG was less likely to be performed in patients receiving anthracyclines than in those receiving trastuzumab, as well as in patients with GC than in those with BC.

New Insights on the Toxicity on Heart and Vessels of Breast Cancer Therapies

Cardiovascular diseases are largely represented in patients with cancer and appear to be important side effects of cancer treatments, heavily affecting quality of life and leading to premature morbidity and death among cancer survivors. In particular, treatments for breast cancer have been shown to potentially play serious detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. This review aims to explore the available literature on breast cancer therapy-induced side effects on heart and vessels, illustrating the molecular mechanisms of cardiotoxicity known so far. Moreover, principles of cardiovascular risk assessment and management of cardiotoxicity in clinical practice will also be elucidated. Chemotherapy (anthracycline, taxanes, cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil), hormonal therapy (estrogen receptor modulator and gonadotropin or luteinizing releasing hormone agonists) and targeted therapy (epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors) adverse events include arterial and pulmonary hypertension, supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, systolic and diastolic cardiac dysfunction and coronary artery diseases due to different and still not well-dissected molecular pathways. Therefore, cardiovascular prevention programs and treatment of cardiotoxicity appear to be crucial to improve morbidity and mortality of cancer survivors.

Evaluation of Risk Prediction Models to Identify Cancer Therapeutics Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Women with HER2+ Breast Cancer

Cancer-therapeutics-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is an important concern in women receiving trastuzumab therapy for HER2+ breast cancer. However, the ability to assess CTRCD risk remains limited. In this retrospective cohort study, we apply three published risk prediction models (Ezaz et al., NSABP-31 cardiac risk scores (CRS), and HFA-ICOS trastuzumab proforma) to 629 women (mean age 52.4 ± 10.9 years) with Stage I-III HER2+ breast cancer treated with trastuzumab ± anthracyclines to assess their performance to identify CTRCD during or immediately post treatment. Using these models, patients were classified into CTRCD risk categories according to the pre-treatment characteristics. With NSABP-31 CRS and HFA-ICOS proformas, patients in the highest risk category had a 1.7-to-2.4-fold higher relative risk of CTRCD than the low-risk category (p = 0.010 and 0.005, respectively). However, with all three risk models, those in the low-risk category had a high absolute risk of CTRCD (15.5–25.5%). The discrimination of the models for CTRCD (AUC 0.51–0.60) and their calibration was limited. NSAP-31 CRS and HFA-ICOS proformas can identify relative differences in CTRCD risk between patients, but when considering absolute risk, they are only able to identify the highest risk patients. There remains an ongoing need for accurate CTRCD risk prediction models in women with HER2+ breast cancer.

Therapeutic Potential of Emerging NAD+-Increasing Strategies for Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Aging and/or metabolic stress directly impact the cardiovascular system. Over the last few years, the contributions of altered nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism to aging and other pathological conditions closely related to cardiovascular diseases have been intensively investigated. NAD+ bioavailability decreases with age and cardiometabolic conditions in several mammalian tissues. Compelling data suggest that declining tissue NAD+ is commonly related to mitochondrial dysfunction and might be considered as a therapeutic target. Thus, NAD+ replenishment by either genetic or natural dietary NAD+-increasing strategies has been recently demonstrated to be effective for improving the pathophysiology of cardiac and vascular health in different experimental models, as well as human health, to a lesser extent. Here, we review and discuss recent experimental evidence illustrating that increasing NAD+ bioavailability, particularly by the use of natural NAD+ precursors, may offer hope for new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.