MULTISYSTEM TOXICITY OF CANCER THERAPIES: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CARDIAC, RENAL, AND METABOLIC PATHWAYS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv16n53-094Keywords:
Cardio-oncology, Nephrotoxicity, Metabolic Dysregulation, Cancer TherapyAbstract
Introduction: The growing success of oncological therapies has redefined cancer as a chronic disease, yet these advances are increasingly accompanied by cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications that threaten long-term survival and quality of life. The interaction between these systems creates a complex clinical scenario in which injury to one organ often amplifies dysfunction in others.
Objective: To analyze the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic strategies associated with the multisystem toxicity of cancer therapies, emphasizing the interconnection between cardiac, renal, and metabolic alterations and the implications for integrated management.
Methods: A narrative systematic review was performed through searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, including studies published between 2015 and 2025 that investigated cardiotoxic, nephrotoxic, or metabolic side effects of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Results and Discussion: Anthracyclines, HER2 inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors remain the most frequent agents linked to cardiovascular dysfunction, while cisplatin, ifosfamide, and VEGF inhibitors are prominent in renal injury. Metabolic complications such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and sarcopenic obesity have been increasingly recognized as interconnected sequelae. Recent studies demonstrate that biomarkers and multimodal imaging facilitate early detection, whereas multidisciplinary management—combining cardio-oncology, nephrology, and endocrinology—reduces adverse outcomes.
Conclusion: The multisystem toxicity of oncological treatments constitutes a major challenge for contemporary oncology. An integrated approach is essential to maintain therapeutic efficacy while minimizing organ damage and preserving patient longevity and well-being.
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References
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