Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Cancer Patients: A Review

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a cardiac arrhythmia, exhibits a heightened prevalence among individuals diagnosed with cancer, notably prominent in cases of lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. Robust evidence from extensive studies underscores this association, emphasizing its clinical significance. However, the precise mechanistic underpinnings and specific risk factors linking cancer and AF remain a subject of incomplete understanding. Notably, the prevalence of AF in cancer patients substantially exceeds that in non-cancer counterparts, prompting further exploration of the underlying pathophysiological processes. This review aims to address the existing knowledge void regarding AF management in cancer patients, with a specific focus on the potential role of ablation procedures. While catheter and surgical ablation techniques have been thoroughly investigated and validated as effective treatments within non-cancer populations, their applicability and outcomes in cancer patients have remained inadequately explored. The principal objective of this exhaustive review is to bridge this research gap by conducting a meticulous examination of the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of ablation interventions for AF in the context of cancer patients. By amalgamating existing evidence and pinpointing critical areas necessitating additional investigation, this review endeavors to provide invaluable insights into AF management in cancer patients, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their clinical care and optimizing outcomes.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation (af); atrial fibrillation and cancer; cancer patients; cardiac catheter ablation; radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of underlying mechanistic processes involved in the pathophysiology of AF in cancer patients.

AF: atrial fibrillation; IL: Interleukin; TNF-a: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; CRP: C-reactive protein; ANS: autonomic nervous system. Image credit: Dr. Arjun Basnet.