Cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines and targeted anti-HER2/neu therapy in treatment of oncological patients

Abstract

Adverse events affecting the cardiovascular system are one of the most serious problems in the general management of patients with oncological diseases, since they can jeopardize the success in the treatment of malignant neoplasms. Despite modern methods of treatment, some chemotherapeutic drugs, such as anthracyclines, HER2 /ErbB2 inhibitors can have a pronounced effect on the cardiovascular system. These toxic effects lead to cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, vascular toxicity and even death. It is important for oncologists and cardiologists to understand the basic diagnostic and treatment strategies that should be used in the event of toxicity of this kind.