Long-term cardiac and pulmonary complications of cancer therapy.
Cardiac complications resulting from chemotherapy and radiation pose a significant risk for morbidity and mortality to the cancer survivor. Cardiac side effects may progress over time and are a concern for patients treated during childhood. Long-term pulmonary complications are relatively infrequent, and acute respiratory effects of drugs (mostly bleomycin) or radiation normally resolve early after therapy. Although most cardiovascular risk statistics and clinical experience are derived from patients treated before 1985, the modern radiation approach that limits the exposure of the heart and reduces the total dose seems to attenuate the previously observed cardiovascular risk. Potential preventive measures for high-risk patients are of increasing interest but remain experimental.
Yahalom
Joachim
J
Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. yahalomj@mskcc.org
Portlock
Carol S
CS
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054715:Cardiotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D017741:Survivors
D054715:Cardiotoxins