Cardiac dysfunction in solid tumours: scoping review

Abstract

Cardio-oncology is a dynamic field. Research has suggested that cancer itself can damage the heart, independent of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). The aim of this study was to establish the nature of cardiovascular abnormalities reported in cancer, excluding CTRCD. Scoping review search included cardiovascular abnormalities in adults with solid tumour malignancies, and excluded CTRCD and thrombotic events. Three databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline) were searched, supplemented by a handsearch. All screening and data extraction was done by two researchers with consensus reached for any conflicts. Given the heterogeneous nature of the studies identified, data synthesis was narrative. The search identified 42 366 studies. Following deduplication and title/abstract screening, 195 studies were assessed for full-text eligibility. Forty-four studies are included in the final analysis. There are 19 prospective observational studies, 13 retrospective studies, 9 case reports and 3 cross-sectional studies. Types of abnormality identified include cardiomyopathy (16, including Takotsubo (9)), autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (10), biomarker disturbances (9), reduced myocardial strain (6) and others (3). Due to variable study design, the prevalence was not determined. Cardiovascular abnormalities were associated with morbidity (chest pain, dyspnoea, fatigue) and shortened prognosis. In conclusion: (1) There is evidence for cardiovascular dysfunction in patients with solid tumour malignancies, distinct from CTRCD. People with solid tumours have higher rates of cardiac disease, even when newly diagnosed and treatment naïve. (2) Abnormalities manifest mainly as cardiomyopathies, ANS dysfunction and raised biomarker levels and are associated with significant symptoms. (3) Treatment plans need to take account of these risks, and widen criteria for screening.