Recent advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy–induced Cardiotoxicity

Abstract

The current study aimed to overview recent advances in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Chemotherapy is widely used in cancer treatment, however, it can have adverse effects on the heart, leading to the development of risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Anthracycline compounds are the most commonly used chemotherapy agents and are associated with an increased risk of developing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC). The precise mechanisms underlying AIC remain a subject of debate, but evidence suggests that the primary causes are the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent oxidative stress. Several risk factors have been linked to the development of AIC, including cumulative dose, pre-existing cardiac disease, age, gender, and cardiac risk factors. Genetic susceptibility may also play a role as a potential risk factor for AIC. In order to protect cardiac function, various strategies have been explored, such as developing less-toxic derivatives of anthracyclines, determining safer cumulative anthracycline doses, and identifying new cardioprotective agents. Prophylactic treatment with cardioprotective agents is the best approach for high-risk patients. This article reviewed the present strategies for protecting cancer patients from AIC based on effective cardioprotective drugs along with the balance between their benefits and potential adverse effects.