Cardiac Arrhythmias in Oncological Patients-Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Management within the Context of the New ESC 2022 Guidelines

Curr Oncol Rep. 2023 Oct;25(10):1107-1115. doi: 10.1007/s11912-023-01445-x. Epub 2023 Aug 17.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an update on epidemiology, risk factors, and management of cardiac arrhythmias in oncological patients within the context of the new European Society of Cardiology 2022 guidelines on cardio-oncology.

Recent findings: One of the side effects of different chemotherapeutics is their pro-arrhythmic activity. Both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias may be induced by cancer itself or by anticancer treatment. Recent studies report on the cardiotoxic activity of such promising therapies as BRAF and MEK inhibitors, or CAR-T therapy. Risk factors of arrhythmias in oncological patients overlap with cardiovascular diseases risk factors, but there are some groups of anticancer drugs that increase the risk of cardiotoxicity. It is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with the oncological treatment and know how to act in case of cardiotoxicity.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Cardio-oncology; Cardiotoxicity; Cardiovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Review