Cardiovascular diseases in survivors of childhood cancer

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2020 Mar;39(1):55-68. doi: 10.1007/s10555-020-09859-w.

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the diagnosis and management of children with various malignancies have improved tremendously. As a result, there are an increasing number of children who are long-term cancer survivors. With improved survival, however, has come an increased risk of treatment-related cardiovascular complications that can appear decades after treatment. These problems are serious enough that all caregivers of childhood cancer survivors, including oncologists, cardiologists, and other health care personnel, must pay close attention to the short- and long-term effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on these children. This review discusses the effects of treatment-related cardiovascular complications from anthracyclines and radiotherapy and the methods for preventing, screening, and treating these complications.

Keywords: Cardio-oncology; Cardiotoxicity; Chemotherapy; Radiotherapy; Survivorship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthracyclines / administration & dosage
  • Anthracyclines / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Anthracyclines
  • Antineoplastic Agents