Onco-hypertension: Overview of hypertension with anti-cancer agents

Abstract

Onco-hypertension is an emerging field investigating the relationship between hypertension and cancer. This paper details one part of this relationship—the effect of anti-cancer agents on blood pressure. We review the evidence linking targeted therapies, immunotherapy, traditional chemotherapies, and hormonal agents with hypertension. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms vary by drug but include endothelial dysfunction, altered sodium homeostasis, and nephrotoxicity. Despite growing interest in the field, there is a paucity of data on the clinical significance of treatment related hypertension and the optimal management strategy. This should be a focus of future studies.