Open AccessCardiovascular Safety of VEGF‐Targeting Therapies: Current Evidence and Handling Strategies
Author(s) -
Girardi Fabio,
Franceschi Enrico,
Brandes Alba A.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0235
Subject(s) - medicine , sunitinib , sorafenib , bevacizumab , adverse effect , intensive care medicine , disease , vegf receptors , pharmacology , oncology , chemotherapy , cancer , hepatocellular carcinoma
Treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitors bevacizumab, sunitinib, and sorafenib as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy is becoming a cornerstone of modern anticancer therapy. However, the potential toxicity of these drugs, mainly to the cardiovascular system, is still being investigated. Patient assessment at baseline, of crucial importance in candidates for treatment, involves the evaluation of risk factors and screening for past or present cardiovascular disease. Strict monitoring of treatment‐related adverse effects must be conducted in order to allow the early detection of cardiovascular toxicities and their prompt medication. In the present paper, the most frequent cardiovascular toxicities and their underlying mechanisms are investigated, with a view to providing indications for effective patient management.