title: What links BRAF to the heart function? New insights from the cardiotoxicity of BRAF inhibitors in cancer treatment.
abstract: The RAS-related signalling cascade has a fundamental role in cell. It activates differentiation and survival. It is particularly important one of its molecules, B-RAF. B-RAF has been a central point for research, especially in melanoma. Indeed, it lacked effective therapeutic weapons since the early years of its study. Molecules targeting B-RAF have been developed. Nowadays, two classes of molecules are approved by FDA. Multi-target molecules, such as Sorafenib and Regorafenib, and selective molecules, such as Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib. Many other molecules are still under investigation. Most of them are studied in phase 1 trials. Clinical studies correlate B-RAF inhibitors and QT prolongation. Though this cardiovascular side effect is not common using these drugs, it must be noticed early and recognize its signals. Indeed, Oncologists and Cardiologists should work in cooperation to prevent lethal events, such as fatal arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. These events could originate from an uncontrolled QT prolongation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bronte
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bronte
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Novo
authors.affiliation: DiBiMIS, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Fabrizio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bronte
authors.affiliation: DiBiMIS, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Bavetta
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lo Re
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brancatelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bazan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy.
authors.forename: Clara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Natoli
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Novo
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Russo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
keywords: B-RAF; B-RAF inhibitors; cardio-oncology; cardiotoxicity; dabrafenib