Cardiotoxicity associated with tyrosine kinase-targeted anticancer therapy

Abstract

Purpose of review: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown clear survival benefits as effective targeted therapies in various hematological and solid malignancies. Important evidence, however, has shown that TKIs may lead to adverse effects such as cardiovascular toxicities, via off-target as well as on-target mechanisms. This review presents an overview of TKI-induced cardiotoxicity mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, monitoring, and management options. Furthermore, we discuss current preclinical efforts and future investigations into alternative therapeutics for minimizing the cardiotoxicities associated with tyrosine kinase-targeted therapies. Recent findings: Accompanying with the significant improvements toward targeted anticancer treatment, cardiotoxicity-related adverse effects are increasingly reported and have become an important public health issue. The TKI-induced cardiovascular toxicities include myocardial ischemia, heart failure, QT prolongation, and hypertension. Thus, the early awareness of cardiotoxicities, initiation of appropriate management, and close follow-up, may enhance the benefits of TKI therapy.