title: Effects of chemotherapy during pregnancy on the maternal and fetal heart.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The co-occurrence of cancer and pregnancy is more frequently diagnosed. The effects of cancer treatment on maternal and fetal outcomes are less well known. The cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy are a specific concern for the mother and fetus. We wanted to review the existing literature, mainly consisting of case reports, case studies, and retrospective data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maternal effects Overall, the published data indicate that pregnancy is not an independent risk factor influencing cancer survival. There is no indirect evidence for an increased risk for maternal chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity. Fetal effects During the first trimester chemotherapy needs to be avoided because of teratogenic risks. The risks of chemotherapy during the second and third trimester are more controversial. It has been associated with intrauterine growth restriction and preterm delivery in some studies, while others did not find the same effect. Cardiotoxic fetal effects have been reported despite the limited transplacental passage of chemotherapy. In most patients this was transient and long-term data are generally reassuring.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A specific strategy for monitoring fetal and maternal chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is suggested. Prospective data are needed on the long-term effects of chemotherapy in both mother and child.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Mina Mhallem
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Gziri
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Amant
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Debiève
authors.forename: Kristel
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Calsteren
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Catte
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mertens
mesh_terms: D018943:Anthracyclines / Q000009:adverse effects; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000009:adverse effects; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054715:Cardiotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000187:drug effects*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068878:Trastuzumab
chemical_list: D018943:Anthracyclines; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D054715:Cardiotoxins; D000068878:Trastuzumab