L.M. Salakhutdinova
Republican Clinical Hospital, Kazan
Salakhutdinova Luiza M. ― cardiologist at the Republican Clinical Hospital
138 Orenburgskiy tract, Kazan, 420064, Russian Federation, tel. +7-919-642-41-92, е-mail: luiza.salax@yandex.ru
Abstract. Thanks to modern diagnostics methods and high efficiency of chemoradiotherapy for cancer diseases, the survival rate of patients increased, and the cancer mortality dropped. However, complications of anti-tumor therapy often have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system. The direct effect of radiation therapy and chemoradiotherapy on the heart causes damage to cardiomyocytes, endocardium and valve structures. Furthermore, it can lead to the development of myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. This term is defined as cardiotoxicity. The preparation process for patients starting chemoradiotherapy should include a cardiovascular examination, pre-treatment identification of possible risk factors for the development of cardiotoxicity, as well as regular check-ups throughout the course of therapy thereafter. One of the most important aspects of the cancer treatment is the close interaction between the cardiologist and the oncologist. Finally, a long-term dynamic supervision and monitoring of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy is required. The purpose of this supervision is the timely diagnosis of cardiovascular complications and prescription of long-term prophylactic therapy for the period in the aftermath of the anti-tumor therapy.
Key words: cardiotoxicity, anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, effects of chemoradiotherapy, cardio-oncology.