Timely recognition of cardiovascular toxicity by anticancer agents: a common objective of the pharmacologist, oncologist and cardiologist

Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2012 Jun;12(2):93-107. doi: 10.1007/s12012-011-9141-z.

Abstract

Both conventional and new anticancer drugs can frequently cause adverse cardiovascular effects, which can span from subclinical abnormalities to serious life-threatening and sometimes fatal events. This review examines the principal basic and clinical elements that may be of profit to identify, prevent and treat such toxicities. Clearly, the accomplishment of such objectives requires the strong commitment and cooperation of different professional figures including, but not limited to, pharmacologists, oncologists and cardiologists. The aspect of anticancer drug cardiotoxicity seems to be somehow underestimated, mainly due to inadequate reporting of adverse reactions from oncology drugs in the post-marketing setting. Thus, the implementation of pharmacovigilance is indispensable to rapidly and fully assess the safety of newer agents in real-life patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / toxicity*
  • Cardiology / methods*
  • Cardiology / trends
  • Cardiotoxins / adverse effects*
  • Cardiotoxins / toxicity*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy*
  • Cardiovascular System / drug effects
  • Cardiovascular System / pathology
  • Humans
  • Laboratory Personnel / trends
  • Medical Oncology / methods*
  • Medical Oncology / trends
  • Pharmacology / methods*
  • Pharmacology / trends
  • Physician's Role
  • Professional Role
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cardiotoxins