Common Drugs Linked to Reduced Cardiotoxicity

A meta-analysis suggested that use of beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients receiving cancer treatment linked to less heart damage. For every ten patients treated with the drugs, one case of cardiotoxicity could be avoided. The meta-analysis included 9 randomized controlled trials in patients with breast or haematological cancer receiving cancer treatment, mainly anthracycline chemotherapy, some also administered treatment such as trastuzumab. A total of 913 patients were enrolled, of whom 534 received the cardioprotective drugs (337 had a beta-blocker, 152 had an ACE inhibitor or ARB, and 45 received a beta-blocker and ACE inhibitor) and 379 were in a control group. Cardiotoxicity was defined as decline in heart pump function (drop in left ventricular ejection fraction to below 50%, or a greater than 10% decline) and/or overt heart failure. During the first year of follow-up, 108 patients (12%) developed cardiotoxicity. Patients receiving the cardioprotective treatment had a significantly lower risk of cardiotoxicity (relative risk 0.381). Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) share common risk factors and CVD is one of the most frequent side effects from cancer therapy. The findings suggest that cardioprotective drugs should be considered in patients receiving cancer treatment. Source: https://www.escardio.org/