Acute and Chronic Effects of Cancer Drugs on the Cardiovascular System.

Several cancer treatments cause cardiotoxicity that can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, and pericardial disease. In this review, representative cases of heart failure following cardiotoxicity caused by trastuzumab, anthracycline, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are described with case notes. Additionally, other important points regarding cardiotoxicity related to heart failure are reported. During and after potentially cardiotoxic therapy, periodic cardiac examinations are recommended to detect any cardiovascular disorders; these are ameliorated if appropriately diagnosed at an earlier stage. It is important for cardiologists and oncologists to understand the pathophysiology of representative cardiovascular disease cases following cancer treatment.