Male breast cancer patients were found to have a high incidence of cardiovascular disease, in a small study of this rare patient population presented at the American College of Cardiology Promoting Cardiovascular Care the Virtual Patient Oncology course .
“Due to the rarity of male breast cancer, there is no cardiovascular data from larger clinical trials or population studies. The lack of big data makes it even more important to individually evaluate and manage cardiovascular based oncologic, therapeutic and preoperative of all patients.existing cardiovascular risk profile to support them through cancer treatment to survival, “said Michael Ibrahim, a fourth – year medical student at Georgetown University and one of the study ‘s authors.
Researchers from the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Washington MedStar Hospital Center in Washington reviewed a review card of 24 male breast cancer patients evaluated at the medical centers. The patients ranged in age from 38 to 79 years with 42% African American, 29% Caucasian, 4% Hispanic and 25% other ethnicity. Half of the breast cancer patients had a family history.
The majority of patients had invasive ductal carcinoma – 79% – which is the most common type of breast cancer. Infectious ductal carcinoma occurs when the cancer has started in the breast ducts and spreads into the old breast.
All patients underwent mastectomy, 4% received anthracycline chemotherapy, 8% received HER2-targeted treatment, 16% received radiation and 71% received hormone therapy. Six patients were diagnosed with secondary primary malignancy and three with third primary malignancy.
The researchers found that 88% of patients were obese, 58% with high blood pressure and 54% with high cholesterol. Tachycarrhythmia, or a abnormally elevated heart rate, was present in 8% of patients and improved in 13% of patients while receiving treatment. Two patients were found to have a reduced ejection fraction or a decrease in the amount of blood that the heart pumps out with each beat. Two patients developed heart failure – a debilitating condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should – after treatment.
“The fundamental, unanswered question is how similar or dissimilar male and female breast cancer patients are. Despite most other medical conditions, breast cancer data are conducted from female patients. We take the evidence from female breast cancer patients, or the matched age. male general population, and apply it in cardiovascular care for male breast cancer patients, “she said. Ibrahim. “But, in reality, we don’t know for sure the difference. For example, the middle age of male breast cancer patients is older than their female peers. An older population may be means more cardiovascular comorbidities.More comorbidities may require a more complete and frequent series.Monitoring.It is also unknown whether the risk of cardiotoxicity from anthracycline or HER-2 is more or less targeted in male breast cancer patients against women, and more investigations are needed. ”
According to the researchers, the high frequency of cardiovascular conditions in male breast cancer patients requires further study to better understand the risk of preexisting heart disease on long-term outcomes for these patients. The findings also highlight the need for cardiologists and cardio-oncologists to be involved in the treatment of male breast cancer due to the common risk factors and potential cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatment. chest.
Ibrahim said, “The field of cardio-oncology is well placed to ensure that cardiologists and oncologists work closely together to address both oncologic and cardiac concerns. Of a multidisciplinary cancer care team to assess on the risk of cardiovascular patients before and through cancer treatments.On a more personal level, cancer patients are already amazed by their cancer diagnosis.As with the pretreatment consultation with radiation oncology, breast surgery, and medical oncology, face cardiovascular risk assessment provides more comfort and reduces further psychological shock with cardiovascular complications going into cancer treatment. ”
###
CardioSmart, an ACC-focused patient education platform, offers a number of resources and tools for clinicians, patients and carers for cancer patients who want to better understand cancer treatment and heart. Check out the free CardioSmart infographic on protecting your heart before, during and after cancer treatment. Learn more at CardioSmart.org/CancerTreatment.
The American College of Cardiology sees a world where innovation and knowledge increase cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its 54,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and promote heart health. The ACC awards certifications to cardiovascular professionals that meet stringent certifications and lead in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its renowned JACC journals, operates national records to measure and promote care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! they are not responsible for the accuracy of press releases posted to EurekAlert! by sending institutions or for using any information through the EurekAlert system.