scholarly journals Cardio-Oncology Educational Program: National Survey as the First Step to Start

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Kozhukhov ◽  
Nataliia Dovganych

Aim: The collaboration of cardiologists, general practitioners (GPs), and oncologists is crucial in cancer patient management. We carried out a national-based survey—The Ukrainian National Survey (UkrNatSurv)—on behalf of the Cardio-Oncology (CO) Working Group (WG) of the Ukrainian Society of Cardiology to analyze the level of knowledge in cardio-oncology.Methods: A short questionnaire was presented to specialists involved in the management of cancer patients across the country. The questionnaire was made up of eight questions concerning referred cancer patient number, CV complications of cancer therapy, diagnostic methods to detect cardiotoxicity, and drugs used for its treatment.Results: A total of 426 questionnaires of medical specialists from different regions of Ukraine were collected and analyzed; the majority of respondents were cardiologists (190), followed by GPs (177), 40 oncologists (mainly chemotherapists and hematologists), other −19 (imaging specialists, neurologists, endocrinologists, etc.). All responders were equally involved in the management of cancer patients. However, less than half of the patients have been seen before the start of cancer therapy. GPs observe the majority of patients after the end of treatment. All doctors are sufficiently aware of cancer therapy-associated CV complications. However, the necessary diagnostic tools, mostly biomarkers, are not used widely by different specialists. The criteria for cardiotoxicity, in particular, the level of reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a marker of LV dysfunction, are not clearly understood. The specific knowledge in the management of CV complications in cancer is required.Conclusion: UkrNatSurv is the first survey in Ukraine to investigate the awareness of CO care provided to cancer patients with CV diseases (CVD) or developed CV complications. Providing such surveys among doctors involved in CO is an excellent tool to investigate the knowledge gaps in clinical practice. Therefore, the primary task is to develop a national educational CO program.

Author(s):  
K. A. Jones ◽  
A. D. Small ◽  
S. Ray ◽  
D. J. Hamilton ◽  
W. Martin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Accurate diagnostic tools to identify patients at risk of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) are critical. For patients undergoing cardiotoxic cancer therapy, ejection fraction assessment using radionuclide ventriculography (RNVG) is commonly used for serial assessment of left ventricular (LV) function. Methods In this retrospective study, approximate entropy (ApEn), synchrony, entropy, and standard deviation from the phase histogram (phase SD) were investigated as potential early markers of LV dysfunction to predict CTRCD. These phase parameters were calculated from the baseline RNVG phase image for 177 breast cancer patients before commencing cardiotoxic therapy. Results Of the 177 patients, 11 had a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of over 10% to an LVEF below 50% after treatment had commenced. This patient group had a significantly higher ApEn at baseline to those who maintained a normal LVEF throughout treatment. Of the parameters investigated, ApEn was superior for predicting the risk of CTRCD. Combining ApEn with the baseline LVEF further improved the discrimination between the groups. Conclusions The results suggest that RNVG phase analysis using approximate entropy may aid in the detection of sub-clinical LV contraction abnormalities, not detectable by baseline LVEF measurement, predicting a subsequent decline in LVEF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer K. Lang ◽  
Badri Karthikeyan ◽  
Adolfo Quiñones-Lombraña ◽  
Rachael Hageman Blair ◽  
Amy P. Early ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The CBR3 V244M single nucleotide polymorphism has been linked to the risk of anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy in survivors of childhood cancer. There have been limited prospective studies examining the impact of CBR3 V244M on the risk for anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity in adult cohorts. Objectives This study evaluated the presence of associations between CBR3 V244M genotype status and changes in echocardiographic parameters in breast cancer patients undergoing doxorubicin treatment. Methods We recruited 155 patients with breast cancer receiving treatment with doxorubicin (DOX) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center (Buffalo, NY) to a prospective single arm observational pharmacogenetic study. Patients were genotyped for the CBR3 V244M variant. 92 patients received an echocardiogram at baseline (t0 month) and at 6 months (t6 months) of follow up after DOX treatment. Apical two-chamber and four-chamber echocardiographic images were used to calculate volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using Simpson’s biplane rule by investigators blinded to all patient data. Volumetric indices were evaluated by normalizing the cardiac volumes to the body surface area (BSA). Results Breast cancer patients with CBR3 GG and AG genotypes both experienced a statistically significant reduction in LVEF at 6 months following initiation of DOX treatment for breast cancer compared with their pre-DOX baseline study. Patients homozygous for the CBR3 V244M G allele (CBR3 V244) exhibited a further statistically significant decrease in LVEF at 6 months following DOX therapy in comparison with patients with heterozygous AG genotype. We found no differences in age, pre-existing cardiac diseases associated with myocardial injury, cumulative DOX dose, or concurrent use of cardioprotective medication between CBR3 genotype groups. Conclusions CBR3 V244M genotype status is associated with changes in echocardiographic parameters suggestive of early anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy in subjects undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 484-493
Author(s):  
Jukapun Yoodee ◽  
Aumkhae Sookprasert ◽  
Phitjira Sanguanboonyaphong ◽  
Suthan Chanthawong ◽  
Manit Seateaw ◽  
...  

Anthracycline-based regimens with or without anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 agents such as trastuzumab are effective in breast cancer treatment. Nevertheless, heart failure (HF) has become a significant side effect of these regimens. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with HF in breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with breast cancer who were treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of HF. The secondary outcome was the risk factors associated with HF by using the univariable and multivariable cox-proportional hazard model. A total of 475 breast cancer patients were enrolled with a median follow-up time of 2.88 years (interquartile range (IQR), 1.59–3.93). The incidence of HF was 3.2%, corresponding to an incidence rate of 11.1 per 1000 person-years. The increased risk of HF was seen in patients receiving a combination of anthracycline and trastuzumab therapy, patients treated with radiotherapy or palliative-intent chemotherapy, and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction <65%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in other risk factors for HF, such as age, cardiovascular comorbidities, and cumulative doxorubicin dose. In conclusion, the incidence of HF was consistently high in patients receiving combination anthracyclines trastuzumab regimens. A reduced baseline left ventricular ejection fraction, radiotherapy, and palliative-intent chemotherapy were associated with an increased risk of HF. Intensive cardiac monitoring in breast cancer patients with an increased risk of HF should be advised to prevent undesired cardiac outcomes.


Author(s):  
Mary Obasi ◽  
Arielle Abovich ◽  
Jacqueline B. Vo ◽  
Yawen Gao ◽  
Stefania I. Papatheodorou ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Cardiotoxicity affects 5–16% of cancer patients who receive anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Limited research has examined interventions to mitigate cardiotoxicity. We examined the role of statins in mitigating cardiotoxicity by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central. A random-effect model was used to assess summary relative risks (RR), weighted mean differences (WMD), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Testing for heterogeneity between the studies was performed using Cochran’s Q test and the I2 test. Results Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 117 patients and four observational cohort studies with a total of 813 patients contributed to the analysis. Pooled results indicate significant mitigation of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure among statin users in cohort studies [RR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.27–0.78), p = 0.004, $${ }I^{2}$$ I 2  = 0.0%] and a non-significant decrease in cardiotoxicity risk among statin users in RCTs [RR = 0.49, 95% CI (0.17–1.45), p = 0.20, $$I^{2}$$ I 2  = 5.6%]. Those who used statins were also significantly more likely to maintain left ventricular ejection fraction compared to baseline after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab therapy in both cohort studies [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 6.14%, 95% CI (2.75–9.52), p < 0.001, $$I^{2}$$ I 2  = 74.7%] and RCTs [WMD = 6.25%, 95% CI (0.82–11.68, p = 0.024, $$I^{2}$$ I 2  = 80.9%]. We were unable to explore publication bias due to the small number of studies. Conclusion This meta-analysis suggests that there is an association between statin use and decreased risk of cardiotoxicity after anthracycline and/or trastuzumab exposure. Larger well-conducted RCTs are needed to determine whether statins decrease risk of cardiotoxicity from anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab. Trial Registration Number and Date of Registration PROSPERO: CRD42020140352 on 7/6/2020.


2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (25) ◽  
pp. 3859-3865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Suter ◽  
Marion Procter ◽  
Dirk J. van Veldhuisen ◽  
Michael Muscholl ◽  
Jonas Bergh ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this analysis was to investigate trastuzumab-associated cardiac adverse effects in breast cancer patients after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Patients and Methods The Herceptin Adjuvant (HERA) trial is a three-group, multicenter, open-label randomized trial that compared 1 or 2 years of trastuzumab given once every 3 weeks with observation in patients with HER-2–positive breast cancer. Only patients who after completion of (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy had normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 55%) were eligible. A repeat LVEF assessment was performed in case of cardiac dysfunction. Results Data were available for 1,693 patients randomly assigned to 1 year trastuzumab and 1,693 patients randomly assigned to observation. The incidence of trastuzumab discontinuation due to cardiac disorders was low (4.3%). The incidence of cardiac end points was higher in the trastuzumab group compared with observation (severe congestive heart failure [CHF], 0.60% v 0.00%; symptomatic CHF, 2.15% v 0.12%; confirmed significant LVEF drops, 3.04% v 0.53%). Most patients with cardiac dysfunction recovered in fewer than 6 months. Patients with trastuzumab-associated cardiac dysfunction were treated with higher cumulative doses of doxorubicin (287 mg/m2 v 257 mg/m2) or epirubicin (480 mg/m2 v 422 mg/m2) and had a lower screening LVEF and a higher body mass index. Conclusion Given the clear benefit in disease-free survival, the low incidence of cardiac adverse events, and the suggestion that cardiac dysfunction might be reversible, adjuvant trastuzumab should be considered for treatment of breast cancer patients who fulfill the HERA trial eligibility criteria.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Araujo-Gutierrez ◽  
Kalyan R. Chitturi ◽  
Jiaqiong Xu ◽  
Yuanchen Wang ◽  
Elizabeth Kinder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRD) is a major source of morbidity and mortality in long-term cancer survivors. Decreased GLS predicts decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients receiving anthracyclines, but knowledge regarding the clinical utility of baseline GLS in patients at low-risk of (CTRD) is limited. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether baseline echocardiographic assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) before treatment with anthracyclines is predictive of (CTRD) in a broad cohort of patients with normal baseline LVEF. Methods Study participants comprised 188 patients at a single institution who underwent baseline 2-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography before treatment with anthracyclines and at least one follow-up echocardiogram 3 months after chemotherapy initiation. Patients with a baseline LVEF <55% were excluded from the analysis. The primary endpoint, (CTRD), was defined as an absolute decline in LVEF > 10% from baseline and an overall reduced LVEF <50%. Potential and known risk factors were evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results Twenty-three patients (12.23%) developed (CTRD). Among patients with (CTRD), the mean GLS was -17.51% ± 2.77%. The optimal cutoff point for (CTRD) was -18.05%. The sensitivity was 0.70 and specificity was 0.70. The area under ROC curve was 0.70. After adjustment for cardiovascular and cancer therapy related risk factors, GLS or decreased baseline GLS ≥-18% was predictive of (CTRD) (adjusted hazards ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.00, 1.36; p = 0.044 for GLS, or hazards ratio 3.54; 95% confidence interval 1.34, 9.35; p = 0.011 for decreased GLS), along with history of tobacco use, pre-chemotherapy systolic blood pressure, and cumulative anthracycline dose. Conclusions Baseline GLS or decreased baseline GLS was predictive of (CTRD) before anthracycline treatment in a cohort of cancer patients with a normal baseline LVEF. This data supports the implementation of strain-protocol echocardiography in cardio-oncology practice for identifying and monitoring patients who are at elevated risk of (CTRD).


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C C Oliveira ◽  
R Coutinho ◽  
R Flores ◽  
P Medeiros ◽  
C Pires ◽  
...  

Abstract Background 2D left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) estimation through echocardiography has been the classic parameter for cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTrCD) detection. However, it is hypothesized that other parameters can be used in order to detect early stages of subclinical cardiotoxicity when LVEF is still preserved. Therefore, 3D LVEF and 2D and 3D strain parameters assessments have been evaluated in patients submitted to anthracyclines treatment. Objectives To compare 2D and 3D LVEF and strain parameters estimation using echocardiography regarding its ability to predict and detect subclinical and clinical cardiotoxicity during and after anthracyclines treatment. Search methods and criteria A systematic review was done and search was performed on PubMed and EMBASE from January 1st of 2000 to October 31th of 2020. Observational studies comparing 2D and 3D echocardiographic exams performed in adult patients submitted to anthracyclines were analyzed. Studies that evaluated survivors of pediatric cancer were excluded. 11 studies were included (n=844 patients). Main results 2D and 3D LVEF decreased throughout the echocardiographic assessments of 7 studies, but 2D LVEF drops were not statistically significant in 4 studies and 3 studies showed that 3D LVEF detected a superior number of patients with abnormal LVEF. Compared to 3D LVEF, 2D GLS decreased at an earlier point of treatment and detected a superior number of patients with subclinical LV dysfunction. Despite 2D and 3D GLS decreased throughout treatment, 3D GLS measurements were consistently lower and had higher relative variation. All 3D strain parameters decreased during and after the treatment and have higher relative variations than 2D GLS, with the exception of 1 study. 3D GLS reference values are not yet recognized by guidelines, so subclinical LV dysfunction was not evaluated. Conclusions LVEF estimation through 3D proved to be a better parameter for CTrCD detection vs 2D imaging. GLS is superior to 3D LVEF in detecting earlier LV changes, even if calculated using 2D echocardiography. Moreover, GLS reduction can be a predictor of subsequent LVEF decrease. 3DE is a growing potential technique and may be superior to 2DE in detecting and predicting subclinical LVEF dysfunction and CTrCD, respectively. Though 3D strain parameters presented promising results, more studies are needed to prove its incremental value over 2D strain echocardiography FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Steen ◽  
M Montenbruck ◽  
P Wuelfing ◽  
S Esch ◽  
A K Schwarz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The incidence of cardiotoxicity during cancer therapy is underestimated due to limitations of current diagnostic tests. Current biomarkers (BNP, NT-pro-BNP, hs-Troponin, etc.) and imaging calculations (e.g. echocardiography) such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are currently included in the guidelines to designate cardiotoxicity during cancer therapy. Unfortunately, these diagnostics identify systemic damage in symptomatic patients after the heart is unable to compensate for regional dysfunction. Fast-SENC segmental intramyocardial strain (fSENC) is a unique cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) test that regionally detects subclinical intramyocardial dysfunction in 1 heartbeat. Methods This single center, prospective Prefect Study was used to evaluate cardiotoxicity and the impact of cardioprotective therapy in Breast Cancer and Lymphoma patients (NCT03543228). fSENC was acquired with a 1.5T MRI and processed with the software to quantify intramyocardial strain. Segmental strain was measured in three short axis scans (basal, midventricular, apical) with 16 LV/6 RV longitudinal segments & three long axis scans (2-, 3-, 4-chamber) with 21 LV/5 RV circumferential segments. fSENC CMR was performed before chemotherapy, during and after anthracycline/taxane therapy, at 1 year follow-up, and as needed in between designated follow-up periods. Cardioprotective therapy was offered to patients meeting the definition of cardiotoxicity by the ESC Guidelines on Cardiotoxicity and/or ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines or those observing a substantial decline in cardiac function. Results Two hundred eight (208) CMRs were performed in fifty-two (52) patients (44 female). Patients had an average (± stdev) age of 53 (15) yrs, BMI of 26 (5) kg/m2; 77% had breast cancer, 23% had Lymphoma. fSENC CMRs required 11 (2) min total exam time. The % of normal fSENC (segmental stain <−17%) with a threshold of 65% showed a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 89% in detecting cardiotoxicity while echocardiography GLS with a threshold of −17% observed a sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 88%. Figure 1 shows receiver operating characteristic curves for fSENC based on the percent of normal myocardium, and echocardiography global longitudinal strain (GLS) respectively. Global fSENC had substantially lower sensitivity than segmental fSENC despite having higher accuracy than the other global metrics. Figure 1 Conclusion Segmental fSENC intramyocardial strain detects subclinical dysfunction due to cardiotoxic response of chemotherapy before other biomarkers and imaging modalities. The ability to detect the subclinical cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy agents, or other pharmacological agents that cause or worsen heart failure, enables proactive prescription of cardioprotective medications to avoid tissue remodeling that precedes systemic cardiac dysfunction and worsening of global measures such as LVEF and current biomarkers.


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