Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Anticancer Drugs

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is a serious adverse reaction associated with the use of anticancer drugs. The aim of the study was to analyse scientific literature on the prevalence, pathophysiological mechanisms, and risk factors of anticancer drug-induced atrial fibrillation, ways of its prevention and treatment. The results of the study showed that the incidence of drug-induced atrial fibrillation varies depending on a specific anticancer drug and ranges from 1 to 86%. It is associated with the use of herbal anticancer agents, alkylating agents, protein kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, immunosuppressants, antitumor antibiotics, antimetabolites, hormonal anticancer agents, hormone antagonists, etc. Most often, atrial fibrillation develops following the use of such drugs as gemcitabine (in combination with vinorelbine), cisplatin, melphalan, ibrutinib, cetuximab, trastuzumab, alemtuzumab, and doxorubicin. It was demonstrated that the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of atrial fibrillation induced by anticancer drugs include electrophysiological abnormalities, myocardial injury, inflammation, immune response, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Risk factors for the development of anticancer drug-induced atrial fibrillation are not clearly defined yet and continue to be the subject of research. Prevention of drug-induced atrial fibrillation in cancer patients requires a multidisciplinary approach involving participation of an oncohematologist and a cardiologist. The doctors in charge should also be vigilant regarding potential development of this adverse reaction.