Radiation-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity: Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment

Abstract

Ionizing radiation is a highly effective treatment for a wide range of malignancies, yet the cardiovascular (CV) toxicity that can result from chest radiotherapy impairs the long-term health of cancer survivors and can be a limiting factor for its use. Despite over 100 years of successful clinical use, the mechanisms by which high-energy photons damage critical components within cells of the heart’s myocardium, pericardium, vasculature and valves remain unclear. Recent studies exploring the acute and chronic effects of radiation therapy on cardiac and vascular tissue have provided new insights into the development and progression of heart disease, including the identification and understanding of age- and complication-associated risk factors. However, key questions relating to the connection from upstream signaling to fibrotic changes remain. In addition, advances in the delivery of chest radiotherapy have helped to limit heart exposure and damage, but additional refinements to delivery techniques and cardioprotective therapeutics are absolutely necessary to reduce patient mortality and morbidity. Radiation therapy (RT)-driven CV toxicity remains a major issue for cancer survivors and more research is needed to define the precise mechanisms of toxicity. However, recent findings provide meaningful insights that may help improve patient outcomes.