Cardiotoxic Effects of Cancer Therapies

Certain cancer treatments, like some chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies, can affect the heart’s function, leading to cardiotoxicity. This means they may cause issues such as weakened heart muscle, reduced ability to pump blood, or irregular heart rhythms. These side effects occur because some treatments can damage heart cells or interfere with their normal functioning. While these effects are generally rare, they underline the importance of monitoring heart health during and after cancer therapy. Managing or detecting these effects early helps ensure patients receive effective cancer treatment while minimizing risks to the heart.