Cardiotoxicity in oncological therapy with monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies in cancer therapy have proven to be one of the greatest successes for the remission of different neoplasms. However, when evaluating the risk-benefit relationship of these immunologically based treatments, we find health implications that may have a scope of real importance, among them, the potential cardiovascular complications resulting from cardiotoxicity, an adverse effect of some of the biological drugs. Objective: Synthesize the current scientific evidence regarding cardiotoxicity induced by monoclonal antibodies. Methodology: A bibliographic review was conducted based on a search for scientific publications related to the topic. For the non-systematic search, the descriptors “antibodies, monoclonal; trastuzumab; bevacizumab; cardiotoxicity; chemotherapy". Results: The conceptual, clinical and paraclinical definition of cardiotoxicity, diagnostic tests, and monoclonal antibodies of interest due to their cardiotoxicity-inducing particularities have been reviewed. Conclusions: There is an improvement in the life expectancy of cancer patients who receive treatment with monoclonal antibodies; However, they tend to be accompanied by adverse outcomes of interest such as cardiotoxicity that can lead to heart failure. General Study Area: Medicine. Specific area of study: Oncology and Cardiology. Type of study: Literature review.