Cardiovascular Complications of Multiple Myeloma Treatment: Evaluation, Management, and Prevention

Purpose of review: Multiple myeloma treatment regimens consist of proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, carfilzomib, and ixazomib), immunomodulatory drugs (thalidomide, lenalidomide, and pomalidomide), and steroids. In this paper, we will review the pathophysiology and associated cardiotoxicities of the different multiple myeloma therapeutic modalities and present methods to mitigate the development of cardiovascular complications.

Recent findings: Although proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs have led to significant improvements in oncologic outcomes, there is increasing evidence of serious cardiovascular side effects which may be exacerbated in the setting of underlying cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Cardiotoxicities include cardiomyopathy and heart failure, accelerated hypertension, arrhythmias, and both arterial and venous thromboembolism. Given the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in multiple myeloma patients as well as the cardiotoxicities associated with the different treatment regimens, it is essential to closely monitor these patients. Collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists is necessary to ensure patients receive optimal cancer treatment while minimizing cardiovascular risk.