Cardiovascular toxicity of chemotherapy and thyroid status of patients with gastric and colon cancer: Current state of the problem. A review

Abstract

Cardiovascular and oncological diseases are the main causes of disability and mortality in Russia, sharing common risk factors and exacerbating each other. The specific toxicological effects of fluoropyrimidines, platinum drugs, and taxanes commonly used in the treatment of gastric and colorectal malignancies have been noted to potentially contribute to the onset of cardiovascular pathologies in some cases. However, the manifestation and prevalence of cardiovascular toxicity due to cancer treatment regimens are influenced by various factors beyond just the chemotherapy protocols employed. Gender, age, overall health status (including cardiac and thyroid functions), and other risk factors play significant roles in the development and progression of heart and vascular diseases in these patients. Thyroid dysfunction, even in the absence of severe clinical symptoms, can significantly impact the course of cardiovascular pathologies, complicating the management of toxic effects associated with polychemotherapy on both the cardiac muscle and vascular system. This paper analyzes modern ideas about pathogenetic relationship between cardiovascular diseases and gastric and colon cancer. The profile and mechanism of cardiovascular toxicity of chemotherapy in patients with gastric and colon cancer, pathogenetic relationship of thyroid status and cardiovascular diseases are presented. Organizational management issues of chemotherapy toxicity are briefly highlighted.