Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cardiotoxicity in Elderly Cancer Patients

Abstract Background Heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death in older adults. Concerns regarding cardiotoxicity of anticancer agents may lead to under-treatment, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. Aim to assess the prevalence and risk factors of cardiotoxicity in elderly patients with cancer. Patients and Methods The study sample comprised one hundred (100) elderly participants, men and women, sixty years and above. All participants included in the study were subjected to: comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), laboratory investigations (including: lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, C-reactive protein), echocardiography (ECHO) and electrocardiogram (ECG). Results In the current study, the prevalence of cardiotoxicity was 57%. Participants who experienced cardiotoxicity were older, had higher smoking index, lower body mass index, and longer cancer duration. They had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia and had higher mean value of C-reactive protein. Participants who had received certain chemotherapy agents (Anthracycline, 5-Fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Arsenic trioxide, and Lapatinib), certain targeted therapy agents (Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab); and those who received radiotherapy (most commonly radiotherapy to the chest) were more liable for cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity was associated with depression, malnutrition, and functional decline of the affected patients. Conclusion Cardiotoxicity is common in elderly cancer patients. It is associated with risk factors as older age, higher smoking index, longer cancer duration, higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia, and treatment with certain anticancer agents. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is essential in elderly cancer patients.