Breast cancer cardio-oncology

Cardiovascular toxicity is a potential short- or long-term complication of breast cancer therapies. Cytotoxics, such as anthracyclines, and some targeted agents, are known to increase risk of clinically significant cardiac dysfunction. Described toxicities can be either reversible or irreversible and may interfere with the ability to provide anticancer therapy. Assessment of the prevalence, type, and severity of cardiac toxicity caused by cancer treatments, as well as long-term follow-up on the exact profile and outcomes of cardiac side effects, is a critical topic for patient management. More research is needed to assess and manage the cardiovascular safety of patients treated with anticancer agents. Further progress in patient care will require a dynamic partnership between oncologists and cardiologists, and the development of a new generation of “cardio-oncology” clinicians and investigators. Organized collaboration between oncologists, cardiologists, and regulatory agencies can support development of programs essential for anticancer agents with cardiac safety concerns.