Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity: Preliminary report from a tertiary cancer centre in India

Cancer has emerged as a major public health issue in India owing to significant epidemiological and demographic transition. As per literature, the overall ten-year survival rate for cancer is at 50% across the 20 most common malignancies. However, the ten-year survival rate is even more high, i.e. approximately 80% or higher for breast, melanoma, lymphoma, and uterine cancers. Contrary to the improved long-term cancer survival rates there has been an increase in adverse cardiac effects of cancer treatment. A retrospective analysis of patients admitted at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik was conducted. The study was conducted at a single center comprising of 115 participants. Anthracyline chemotherapy has remained a mainstay treatment approach for cancer patients. Cardiotoxic side-effects of anthracyline chemotherapy regimens often limits their dosing. Although anthracylines have been associated with improved cancer outcomes, there remains an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Doxorubicin-induced cardio toxicity was 5.45% while trastuzumab cardio toxicity was 5.26% (Table 4). The estimated cardio toxicity rate for our two-year follow-up was 4.08% for all specified chemotherapy regimens. The early detection of cardio toxicity by appropriate follow-up and monitoring is essential. Evaluation of patients using LVEF as a key parameter would help prevent irreversible cardio toxic events. Our preliminary report may act as a base for researchers and academicians to conduct and review ongoing chemotherapy regimens.