Evolving data on cardiovascular complications in cancer. Issue 213 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Willems, Ruth A.L.; Winckers, Kristien; Biesmans, Charlotte; de Vos-Geelen, Judith; ten Cate, Hugo
• Is Part Of: Thrombosis research. Issue 213(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S87
• Page End: S94
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Cancer -- Cardiovascular disease -- Arterial thromboembolism -- Myocardial infarction -- Ischemic stroke -- Antiplatelet therapy; Thrombosis -- Periodicals; 616.135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-3848

Abstract

Abstract: Cancer and cardiovascular disease are leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Scientific studies show that patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular events, leading to the novel cardio-oncology research field. Growing evidence suggests that cancer and cardiovascular disease are not separate entities but are connected through shared risk factors, pathological mechanisms, and genetic predispositions. Moreover, anticancer therapies such as radiotherapy have been known to further increase the cardiovascular risk in patients with cancer. Due to the significant advances in oncological diagnostics and therapy, the number of cancer survivors has been growing substantially. Nowadays, the majority of patients with cancer dies from non-cancer causes. Cardiovascular disease substantially contributes to mortality and morbidity in cancer survivors. For some cancers, such as breast, prostate, endometrial and thyroid cancer, about half of the patients dies from cardiovascular disease. This raises an urge for effective strategies in preventing and treating cardiovascular events in patients living with and surviving cancer. In this review, we address the evolving data on cardiovascular disease in patients with cancer, with a special focus on atherothrombotic manifestations including myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. Highlights: Cardiovascular diseases are of major importance in cancer survivors. Attention on risk factors is critical, given the high risks of stroke and myocardial infarction. Antithrombotic therapy needs to be tailored to individual thrombosis and bleeding risks. Future studies on antithrombotic management specifically in cancer patients are needed.