Role of biomarkers in cardioncology

Author(s):  
Daniela Cardinale ◽  
Michela Salvatici ◽  
Maria T. Sandri

AbstractCardiotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of anticancer drugs, impacting on quality of life and overall survival of cancer patients. According to the current standard for monitoring cardiac function, cardiotoxicity is usually detected only when a functional impairment has already occurred, precluding any chance of preventing its development. Over the last decade, however, a new approach, based on the use of cardiac biomarkers, has emerged, and has proven to be an effective alternative strategy for early detection of subclinical cardiac injury. In particular, the role of troponin I in identifying patients at risk of cardiotoxicity and of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in preventing left ventricular ejection fraction reduction and late cardiac events represent an effective tool for the prevention of this complication.

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ayuna ◽  
Nik Abidin

Abstract Background Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity has been classified based on its onset into acute, early, and late. It may have a significant burden on the quality and quantity of life of those exposed to this class of medication. Currently, there are several ongoing debates on the role of different measures in the primary prevention of cardiotoxicity in cancer survivors. Our article aims to focus on the role of neurohormonal blockers in the primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, whether it is acute, early, or late onset. Main body of the abstract PubMed and Google Scholar database were searched for the relevant articles; we reviewed and appraised 15 RCTs, and we found that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and B-blockers were the most commonly used agents. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) were used in a few other trials. The follow-up period was on the range of 1–156 weeks (mode 26 weeks). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular diameters, and diastolic function were assessed by either echocardiogram or occasionally by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The occurrence of myocardial injury was assessed by troponin I. It was obvious that neurohormonal blockers reduced the occurrence of LVEF and myocardial injury in 14/15 RCTs. Short conclusion Beta-blockers, especially carvedilol and ACEI, especially enalapril, should be considered for the primary prevention of acute- and early-onset cardiotoxicity. ARB and MRA are suitable alternatives when patients are intolerant to ACE-I and B-blockers. We recommend further studies to explore and establish the role of neurohormonal blockers in the primary prevention of the acute-, early-, and late-onset cardiotoxicity.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Bottinor ◽  
Natalie Kelsey ◽  
Elizabeth C Riley ◽  
John Craycroft ◽  
Maiying Kong

ABSTRACT Background: Standard of care treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive (HER2+) breast cancer often involves HER2 antagonism and anthracyclines. Anthracyclines and HER2 antagonists are associated with cardiotoxicity and cardiac screening is suggested. The optimal strategy for cardiac monitoring is not definitively established and the potential role of biomarkers to detect subclinical cardiotoxicity is an active area of interest within the field of cardio-oncology. Methods: This single center retrospective cohort analysis, examined the role of troponin I (Tp I) to detect subclinical cardiotoxicity and predict subsequent cardiovascular dysfunction in patients undergoing treatment for HER2+ breast cancer treated with combination trastuzumab and pertuzumab therapy. Subjects were identified by review of cardio-oncology and medical oncology clinical registries. Demographic and clinical data were obtained through chart review. Tp I absolute values and temporal trends, and subsequent decline in left ventricular ejection fraction or development of symptomatic heart failure were evaluated and compared for different chemotherapeutic regimens. Results: The incidence of Tp I elevation was significantly higher in patients treated with both anthracycline and HER2 antagonism when compared to patients treated with anthracycline or HER2 antagonism alone. In patients treated with both anthracycline and HER2 antagonism (either trastuzumab alone or in combination with pertuzumab), Tp I levels became positive (greater than 0.03 ng/mL) after the completion anthracycline therapy and 3.8 + 1.93 infusions of anti-HER2 therapy. The average peak Tp I was 0.104 + 0.05. Resolution of Tp I elevation occurred by infusion 14 + 1.94. Conclusions: Patients treated with a combination of anthracycline and HER2 antagonism, demonstrated elevated Tp I values with peak Tp I occurring after completion of anthracyclines and approximately 7 infusions of HER2 antagonist therapy.


Author(s):  
Daniela Cardinale ◽  
Carlo Maria Cipolla

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is of considerable concern, as it may compromise the clinical effectiveness of treatment, affecting both quality of life and overall survival in cancer patients, independently of the oncological prognosis. It is probable that anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a unique and continuous phenomenon starting with myocardial cell injury, followed by progressive left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decline that, if disregarded and not treated progressively leads to overt heart failure. The main strategy for minimizing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is early detection of high-risk patients and prompt prophylactic treatment. According to the current standard for monitoring cardiac function, cardiotoxicity is usually detected only when a functional impairment has already occurred, precluding any chance of its prevention. At present, anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity can be detected at a preclinical phase, very much before the occurrence of heart failure symptoms, and before the LVEF drops by measurement of cardiospecific biochemical markers or by Doppler myocardial and deformation imaging. The role of troponins in identifying subclinical cardiotoxicity and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, in order to prevent LVEF reduction is an effective strategy that has emerged in the last 15 years. If cardiac dysfunction has already occurred, partial or complete LVEF recovery may still be achieved if cardiac dysfunction is detected early after the end of chemotherapy and heart failure treatment is promptly initiated.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Shemirani ◽  
Masoumeh Sadeghi ◽  
Azadeh Davoudian Dehkordi ◽  
Farzad Gheshlaghi

Abstract Background: Methadone is a synthetic opioid mostly used for detoxification therapy, as its use increases; the possibility for methadone-induced cardiotoxicity may rise. The aim of this study was to determine the association of high-sensitivity troponin I levels as a predictor of cardiac injury in methadone toxicity.Methods: Sixty methadone toxicity patients included in this prospective cross-sectional study from October 2018-November 2020. High-sensitivity troponin I level and electrocardiogram were assessed in patients at admission. All patients underwent echocardiography at admission and 30 days later and compared this findings between two groups based on high-sensitivity troponin I results.Results: Mean age of the patients was 34.5±11.1 years (males: 66%). Twelve (20%) patients had positive high sensitive-troponin results. Long QT interval and inverted T in precordial leads were mostly observed in individuals with positive high-sensitivity troponin I (75% vs. 35%, P=0.013 and 83% vs. 16%, P<0.001, respectively). Patients with elevated troponin had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in comparison to normal group during admission (43.1±15.4% vs. 55%, P<0.001) and this left ventricular ejection fraction remained abnormal after 30 days (43.7±21.6%). Patients in positive high-sensitivity troponin I group had higher regional wall motion abnormality frequency both at admission and 30 days later compared to the other group (0 day: 42% vs. 0, P<0.001, 30th days: 25% vs. 4%, P=0.020).Conclusion: Patients with simultaneous methadone toxicity and positive high-sensitivity troponin I had worse cardiac outcomes and this biomarker could be probably used for better implementation of therapeutic interventions and prognosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Nicol ◽  
Mathilde Baudet ◽  
Alain Cohen-Solal

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction is the most common cardiac complication after chemotherapy administration. Detection and early treatment are major issues for better cardiac outcomes in this cancer population. The most common definition of cardiotoxicity is a 10-percentage point decrease of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to a value <53%. The myocardial injury induced by chemotherapies is probably a continuum starting with cardiac biomarkers increase before the occurence of a structural myocardial deformation leading to a LVEF decline. An individualised risk profile (depending on age, cardiovascular risk factors, type of chemotherapy, baseline troponin, baseline global longitudinal strain and baseline LVEF) has to be determined before starting chemotherapy to consider cardioprotective treatment. To date, there is no proof of a systematic cardioprotective treatment (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and/or betablocker) in all cancer patients. However, early cardioprotective treatment in case of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction seems to be promising in the prevention of cardiac events.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. C. Barron ◽  
M.M. Alhussein ◽  
U. Kaur ◽  
T. L. Cosman ◽  
N. Kumar Tyagi ◽  
...  

Background The major limitation in the use of trastuzumab therapy is cardiotoxicity. We evaluated the safety of a strategy of continuing trastuzumab in patients with breast cancer despite mild, asymptomatic left ventricular impairment.Methods Charts of consecutive patients referred to a cardio-oncology clinic from January 2015 to March 2017 for decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (lvef), defined as a fall of 10 percentage points or more, or a value of less than 50% during trastuzumab therapy, were reviewed. The primary outcome of interest was change in lvef, measured before and during trastuzumab exposure and up to 3 times after initiation of cardiac medications during a median of 9 months.Results All 18 patients referred for decline in lvef chose to remain on trastuzumab and were included. All patients were treated with angiotensin converting–enzyme inhibitors or beta-blockers, or both. After initiation of cardiac medications, lvef increased over time by 4.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval: 1.9 percentage points to 7.4 percentage points), approaching baseline values. Of the 18 patients, 17 (94%) were asymptomatic at all future visits. No deaths occurred in the group.Conclusions Many patients with mildly reduced lvef and minimal heart failure symptoms might be able to continue trastuzumab without further decline in lvef, adverse cardiac events, or death when treated under the supervision of a cardiologist with close follow-up.


Chemotherapy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vito Calabrese ◽  
Pierantonio Menna ◽  
Ombretta Annibali ◽  
Grazia Armento ◽  
Armando Carpino ◽  
...  

Asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction (DD) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is suspected to precede late cardiac events in cancer survivors treated by chemotherapy. We conducted the first multicenter study of early DD induced by chemotherapy. Patients who were candidates for standard dose chemotherapy were screened for the absence of cardiovascular risk factors, LVEF ≥50%, normal-for-age diastolic function at echocardiography (E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time; DT), normal levels of potential DD biomarkers like Nt-proBNP (≤125 pg/mL), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI, ≤0.05 ng/mL). Mitral Doppler (E/E’) was left at the investigator’s discretion. Chemotherapy-induced DD with preserved LVEF was diagnosed for patients showing LVEF ≥50% and any of the following: Nt-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, cTnI > 0.05 ng/mL, and out-of-range E/A and DT. Eighty patients (68 males, 12 females, median age 49 years) were evaluated at 1 week after chemotherapy (T1). Thirty-three protocol-defined diastolic events were observed (15 Nt-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, 14 grade I DD by E/A and DT, 4 cTnI > 0.05 ng/mL). The events occurred in 29 asymptomatic patients with LVEF ≥50% (36% incidence of DD with preserved LVEF). Interactions occurred between biomarkers and grade I DD. E/E’ abnormalities were not observed. Both anthracycline-based and nonanthracycline regimens induced DD. These findings show that biomarkers and echocardiography intercept early DD in otherwise asymptomatic low-risk cancer patients treated by standard dose chemotherapy. These findings therefore call for the adequate cardiac management of cancer patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_N) ◽  
pp. N65-N79
Author(s):  
Luca Arcari ◽  
Michelangelo Luciano ◽  
Luca Cacciotti ◽  
Maria Beatrice Musumeci ◽  
Valerio Spuntarelli ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims myocardial involvement in the course of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has been reported, though not fully characterized yet. Aim of the present study is to undertake a joint evaluation of hs-Troponin and natriuretic peptides (NP) in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods and results in this multicenter observational study, we analyzed data from n = 111 COVID-19 patients admitted to dedicated “COVID-19” medical units. Hs-Troponin was assessed in n = 103 patients and NP in n = 82 patients on admission; subgroups were identified according to values beyond reference range. increased hs-Troponin and NP were found in 38% and 56% of the cases respectively. As compared to those with normal cardiac biomarkers, these patients were older, had higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and more severe COVID-19 pneumonia by higher CRP and D-dimer and lower PaO2/FIO2. Two-dimensional echocardiography performed in a subset of patients (n = 24) showed significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with elevated NP only (p = 0.02), whereas right ventricular systolic function (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) was significantly reduced both in patients with high hs-Troponin and NP (p = 0.022 and p = 0.03 respectively). On multivariable analysis, independent associations were found of hs-Troponin with age, PaO2/FIO2 and D-dimer (B = 0.419, p = 0.001; B=-0.212, p = 0.013 and B = 0.179, p = 0.037 respectively), and of NP with age and previous CVD (B = 0.480, p &lt; 0.001 and B = 0.253, p = 0.001 respectively). In patients with in-hospital mortality (n = 23, 21%) hs-Troponin and NP were both higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively), while increasing hs-troponin and NP were associated with worse in-hospital prognosis [OR 4.88 (95% CI 1.9-12.2), p = 0.001 (adjusted OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2-8.5), p = 0.025) and OR 4.67 (95% CI 2-10.8), p &lt; 0.001 (adjusted OR 2.89 (95% CI 1.1-7.9), p = 0.04) respectively]. Receiver operator characteristic curves showed good ability of hs-Troponin and NP in predicting in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.869 p &lt; 0.001 and AUC = 0.810, p &lt; 0.001 respectively). Conclusion myocardial involvement at admission is common in COVID-19 pneumonia and associated to worse prognosis, suggesting a role for cardiac biomarkers assessment in COVID-19 risk stratification. Independent associations of hs-Troponin with markers of disease severity and of NP with underlying CVD might point towards existing different mechanisms leading to their elevation in this setting.


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