Background
Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity poses a significant challenge in the management of breast and colorectal cancer patients, necessitating early detection strategies to reduce adverse cardiac outcomes.
Methods
This prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between 2019 and 2024 to assess the efficacy of echocardiography for cardiotoxicity detection in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast and colorectal cancer. Comprehensive echocardiographic evaluations were performed at base-line before initiation of chemotherapy and at six-month intervals, with additional assessments at one, two-, and three-year intervals post-treatment initiation.
Results
The study encompassed 203 patients, classified into two groups: those diagnosed with cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) (n = 30) and those without CTRCD (n = 173). There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of demographic factors, comorbidities, lifestyle factors, and cancer type. Patients undergoing treatment for colon cancer experience significant changes in diastolic function, left ventricular volume indices, left atrial dimensions, and right ventricular function (P-value < 0.05). Similarly, patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment exhibit alterations in left ventricular function and volumes (P-value < 0.05). Furthermore, our study reveals that the use of Trastuzumab in breast cancer patients is significantly associated with a higher incidence of CTRCD; however, no significant association was found for other chemotherapy regimen including 5-FU, Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan, Adriamycin, Epirubicin, Pertuzumab, and Cyclophosphamide.
Conclusion
The observed changes in LVEF and E/e' ratio suggest potential impacts of cancer treatment on cardiac function, emphasizing the necessity of cardiac monitoring in these patients.