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Review
. 2021 Feb 13;23(3):30.
doi: 10.1007/s11912-021-01014-0.

Microtubule Inhibitors and Cardiotoxicity

Amogh M Joshi #  1 , George S Prousi #  2 , Christopher Bianco  3 , Midhun Malla  4 , Avirup Guha  5 , Mahek Shah  6 , Sherry-Ann Brown  7 , Brijesh Patel  8
Affiliations
Review

Microtubule Inhibitors and Cardiotoxicity

Amogh M Joshi et al. Curr Oncol Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of mortality in the USA. Advances in cancer therapies, namely, the development and use of chemotherapeutic agents alone or in combination, are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Recent findings: Many chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with adverse cardiovascular manifestations. The mechanisms of these sequelae remain incompletely understood. In particular, microtubule inhibitor (MTI) agents have been related to the development of heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and conduction abnormalities. At present, there are no guidelines for patients undergoing MTI therapy as it pertains to both preventative and mitigatory strategies for cardiovascular complications. We conducted a literature review focusing on content related to the use of MTIs and their effect on the cardiovascular system. MTIs have been associated with various forms of cardiotoxicity, and fatal cardiotoxicities are rare. The most well-described cardiotoxicities are brady- and tachyarrhythmias. The co-administration of anthracycline-based agents with MTIs can increase the risk of cardiotoxicity.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Cardio-oncology; Cardiotoxicity; Endothelial dysfunction; Heart failure; Mitotic inhibitors.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schemata of microtubule inhibitors, common cardiotoxicities, and proposed recommendations
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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