The impact of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: results from WF-97415.

PURPOSE: To examine the differential effect of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue over 12 months post-diagnosis among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: This study is based on a prospective Wake Forest NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) multicenter cohort study (WF-97415) of women with stage I to III breast cancer and non-cancer controls. Analyses compared those: 1) receiving, or 2) not receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, 3) receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) without chemotherapy, with 4) a comparator group without a history of cancer. In-person clinic assessments were conducted at: baseline (prior to chemotherapy or start of AI therapy), and 3 and 12 months after baseline. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale was the primary outcome. Estimated least squares means by group using mixed models with a random subject effect, fixed effects of time and group, and the interaction between time and group was used to compare groups across time, controlling for age, comorbidities, and treatment variables. RESULTS: Among 284 women (mean age = 53.4 years, sd 11.9 years), there was a significant (p < 0.0001) group by time interaction, with a sharp increase in fatigue at 3 months in the two chemotherapy groups in comparison to the non-chemotherapy and non-cancer controls. The two chemotherapy groups did not significantly differ in fatigue at any time point. CONCLUSION: Women with breast cancer who receive non- or anthracycline-based chemotherapy experience similar trends in and levels of fatigue within the first year of treatment and greater fatigue than women receiving AIs alone or women without breast cancer.

Cardioprotective Potential of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Patients With Cancer Treated With Anthracyclines: An Observational Study.

Anthracyclines are pivotal in cancer treatment, yet their clinical utility is hindered by the risk of cardiotoxicity. Preclinical studies highlight the effectiveness of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in mitigating anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Nonetheless, the translation of these findings to clinical practice remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the safety and potential of SGLT2i for preventing cardiotoxicity in patients with cancer, without preexisting heart failure (HF), receiving anthracyclines therapy. Using the TriNetX Global Research Network, patients with cancer, without previous HF diagnosis, receiving anthracycline therapy were identified and classified into 2 groups based on SGLT2i usage. A 1:1 propensity score matching was used to control for baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. Patients were followed for 2 years. The primary end point was new-onset HF, and the secondary end points were HF exacerbation, new-onset arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, all-cause mortality, and all-cause hospitalization. Safety outcomes included acute renal failure and creatinine levels. A total of 79,074 patients were identified, and 1,412 were included post-matching (706 in each group). They comprised 53% females, 62% White, with a mean age of 62.5 ± 11.4 years. Over the 2-year follow-up period, patients on SGLT2i had lower rates of new-onset HF (hazard ratio 0.147, 95% confidence interval 0.073 to 0.294) and arrhythmia (hazard ratio 0.397, 95% confidence interval 0.227 to 0.692) compared with those not on SGLT2i. The incidence of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, all-cause hospitalization, and safety outcomes were similar between both groups. In conclusion, among patients with cancer receiving anthracycline therapy without preexisting HF, SGLT2i use demonstrates both safety and effectiveness in reducing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, with a decreased incidence of new-onset HF, HF exacerbation, and arrhythmias.

Coverage for evidence-based cancer survivorship care services.

PURPOSE: The American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Survivorship Committee established a task force to determine which survivorship care services were being denied by public and private payers for coverage and reimbursement. METHODS: A quantitative survey instrument was developed to determine the clinical practice-reported rates of coverage denials for evidence-based cancer survivorship care services. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand whether coverage denials were based on payer policies, cost-sharing, or prior authorization. RESULTS: Of 122 respondents from 50 states, respondents reported that coverage denials were common ("always," "most of the time," or "some of the time") for maintenance therapies, screening for new primary cancers or cancer recurrence. Respondents reported that denials in coverage for maintenance therapies were highest for immunotherapy (41.74%) and maintenance chemotherapy (40.17%). Coverage denials for new primary cancer screenings were highest for Hodgkin lymphoma survivors needing a PET/CT scan (49.04%) and breast cancer survivors at a high risk of recurrence who needed an MRI (63.46%), respectively. More than half of survey respondents reported denials for symptom management and supportive care services. Fertility services, dental services when indicated, and mental health services were denied "always" or "most of the time" 23.1%, 22.5%, and 12.8%, respectively. Respondents reported they often had a process in place to automatically appeal denials for evidence-based services. The denial process, however, resulted in greater stress for the patient and provider. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that additional advocacy with payers is needed to ensure that reimbursement policies are consistent with evidence-based survivorship care services.

Managing hyperglycemia and rash associated with alpelisib: expert consensus recommendations using the Delphi technique.

Hyperglycemia and rash are expected but challenging adverse events of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibition (such as with alpelisib). Two modified Delphi panels were conducted to provide consensus recommendations for managing hyperglycemia and rash in patients taking alpelisib. Experts rated the appropriateness of interventions on a 1-to-9 scale; median scores and dispersion were used to classify the levels of agreement. Per the hyperglycemia panel, it is appropriate to start alpelisib in patients with HbA1c 6.5% (diabetes) to <8%, or at highest risk for developing hyperglycemia, if they have a pre-treatment endocrinology consult. Recommend prophylactic metformin in patients with baseline HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%. Metformin is the preferred first-line anti-hyperglycemic agent. Per the rash panel, initiate prophylactic nonsedating H1 antihistamines in patients starting alpelisib. Nonsedating H1 antihistamines and topical steroids are the preferred initial management for rash. In addition to clinical trial evidence, these recommendations will help address gaps encountered in clinical practice.

The underutilization of preventive cardiovascular measures in patients with cancer: an analysis of the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2011-22.

AIMS: This study aimed to characterize the influence of a cancer diagnosis on the use of preventive cardiovascular measures in patients with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (spanning 2011-22) were used. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were applied to calculate average marginal effects (AME), the average difference in the probability of using a given therapy between patients with and without cancer. Outcomes of interest included the use of pharmacological therapies, physical activity, smoking cessation, and post-CVD rehabilitation. Among 5 012 721 respondents, 579 114 reported a history of CVD (coronary disease or stroke), and 842 221 reported a diagnosis of cancer. The association between cancer and the use of pharmacological therapies varied between those with vs. without CVD (P-value for interaction: <0.001). Among patients with CVD, a cancer diagnosis was associated with a lower use of blood pressure-lowering medications {AME: -1.46% [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.19% to -0.73%]}, lipid-lowering medications [AME: -2.34% (95% CI: -4.03% to -0.66%)], and aspirin [AME: -6.05% (95% CI: -8.88% to -3.23%)]. Among patients without CVD, there were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without cancer regarding pharmacological therapies. Additionally, cancer was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of engaging in physical activity in the overall cohort and in using post-CVD rehabilitation regimens, particularly post-stroke rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Preventive pharmacological agents are underutilized in those with cancer and concomitant CVD, and physical activity is underutilized in patients with cancer in those with or without CVD. LAY SUMMARY: •This paper compared the use of preventive cardiovascular measures, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, in patients with and without cancer.•In patients with cardiovascular disease and cancer, there is a lower use of preventive cardiovascular medications compared with those with cardiovascular disease but without cancer. This includes a lower utilization of blood pressure-lowering medications, cholesterol-lowering medications, and aspirin.•Patients with cancer reported lower levels of exercise but higher levels of smoking cessation compared with those without cancer.

Incidence, risk factors, and mortality of atrial fibrillation in breast cancer: a SEER-Medicare analysis.

AIMS: The national incidence, risk factors, and associated mortality of atrial fibrillation (AF) in breast cancer patients are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare-linked database, we identified females, ≥66 years old, with a new primary diagnosis of breast cancer from 2007 through 2014. These patients were individually matched 1:1 to Medicare enrolees without cancer, and each pair was followed for 1 year to identify a primary outcome of AF. Cumulative incidence was calculated using competing risk survival statistics. Following this, identifying risk factors of AF among breast cancer patients was conducted using the adjusted Cox proportional hazards model. Finally, Kaplan-Meier methods and adjusted Cox proportional hazards modelling were performed to estimate mortality in breast cancer patients with incident and prevalent AF. This study included 85 423 breast cancer patients. Among these 9425 (11.0%) had AF diagnosis prior to the breast cancer diagnosis. New-onset AF was diagnosed in 2993 (3.9%) patients in a 1-year period after the breast cancer diagnosis [incidence 3.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0-3.5%, at 1 year; higher rate in the first 60 days (0.6%/month)]. Comparatively, the incidence of new-onset AF in matched non-cancer controls was 1.8% (95% CI 1.6-2.0%). Apart from traditional demographic and cardiovascular risk factors, breast cancer stage was strongly associated with the development of AF [American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage II/III/IV vs. I: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.51/2.63/4.21, respectively]. New-onset AF after breast cancer diagnosis (aHR 3.00) is associated with increased 1-year cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION: AF incidence is significantly higher in women after a breast cancer diagnosis. Higher breast cancer stages at diagnos are significantly associated with a higher risk of AF. New-onset AF in the new breast cancer diagnosis setting increases 1-year cardiovascular mortality but not breast cancer-related mortality. KEY QUESTION: What are the incidence, prevalence, risk factors and mortality outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a multi-ethnic representative United States cohort of breast cancer patients? KEY FINDING: Annual incidence for AF is 3.9% with highest rate in the first 60 days after cancer diagnosis. Cancer stage and grade are the strongest risk factors for AF. New onset AF after breast cancer increases all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: AF incidence is higher in breast cancer patients and is associated with later stage and grade at diagnosis of breast cancer. Involving cardio-oncology in those who develop AF after cancer diagnosis should be encouraged to improve their cardiovascular and overall prognosis.

Cardiometabolic Consequences of Targeted Anticancer Therapies.

ABSTRACT: Cardiometabolic disease (CMD) is the most common preventable cause of death in the world. A number of components are included in the spectrum of CMD, such as metabolic syndrome/obesity, hyperglycemia/diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, which are independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk. These conditions often occur together, and patients with cancer frequently undergo treatments that can generate or worsen CMD. This review highlights and presents mechanistic and epidemiological evidence regarding CMD in 4 categories of anticancer medications, namely, mTOR/PI3K-Akt inhibitors, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, and endocrine therapy. Patients taking these medications need careful monitoring during therapy. There is a role for cardio-oncology and onco-primary care specialists in optimally managing patients at risk to mitigate CMD during treatment with these and other investigational anticancer medications.

Cardiovascular Manifestations From Therapeutic Radiation: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Statement From the International Cardio-Oncology Society.

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer therapy, with >50% of patients undergoing therapeutic radiation. As a result of widespread use and improved survival, there is increasing focus on the potential long-term effects of ionizing radiation, especially cardiovascular toxicity. Radiation therapy can lead to atherosclerosis of the vasculature as well as valvular, myocardial, and pericardial dysfunction. We present a consensus statement from the International Cardio-Oncology Society based on general principles of radiotherapy delivery and cardiovascular risk assessment and risk mitigation in this population. Anatomical-based recommendations for cardiovascular management and follow-up are provided, and a priority is given to the early detection of atherosclerotic vascular disease on imaging to help guide preventive therapy. Unique management considerations in radiation-induced cardiovascular disease are also discussed. Recommendations are based on the most current literature and represent a unanimous consensus by the multidisciplinary expert panel.

Cardiovascular Toxicity of Novel HER2-Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: HER2-targeted therapies have led to improved clinical outcomes in early and advanced breast cancer (BC). We review the long-term cardiotoxicity of HER2-targeted therapy in early and advanced BC, our current knowledge of cardiotoxicity of novel HER2-targeted therapies, and propose a cardiac monitoring (CM) strategy for this population. RECENT FINDINGS: Long-term data from studies with HER2-targeted therapy in the adjuvant setting have failed to demonstrate an increase in cardiotoxicity over time, and rates of cardiotoxicity seen with novel HER2 agents remain low. Despite over a decade of experience with HER2-targeted therapy, CM in clinical practice is inconsistent in patients with early BC and almost non-existent in advanced BC. Long-term follow-up of clinical trials with HER2-targeted agents in early and advanced BC has failed to demonstrate increased rates of cardiotoxicity over time, attesting to the long-term safety of this class of drugs for the majority of patients, although the long-term cardiac safety of newer HER2 agents in the non-clinical trial setting is largely unknown. We propose CM incorporating clinical history, cardiac imaging, and biomarkers.

Recognition, Prevention, and Management of Arrhythmias and Autonomic Disorders in Cardio-Oncology: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

With the advent of novel cancer therapeutics and improved screening, more patients are surviving a cancer diagnosis or living longer with advanced disease. Many of these treatments have associated cardiovascular toxicities that can manifest in both an acute and a delayed fashion. Arrhythmias are an increasingly identified complication with unique management challenges in the cancer population. The purpose of this scientific statement is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding arrhythmia identification and treatment in patients with cancer. Atrial tachyarrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, are most common, but ventricular arrhythmias, including those related to treatment-induced QT prolongation, and bradyarrhythmias can also occur. Despite increased recognition, dedicated prospective studies evaluating true incidence are lacking. Moreover, few studies have addressed appropriate prevention and treatment strategies. As such, this scientific statement serves to mobilize the cardio-oncology, electrophysiology, and oncology communities to develop clinical and scientific collaborations that will improve the care of patients with cancer who have arrhythmias.

Cardio-Oncology in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic and public health crisis. Increasing waves of intermittent infectious outbreaks have dramatically influenced care among broad populations. Over the past 2 decades, there has been a rapid increase in cancer survival, with >400 000 new survivors each year. The increasingly common presence of cardiovascular disease in patients during or after cancer treatment led to the rapid growth of the field of cardio-oncology with a mandate of identifying, treating, and preventing the various forms of cardiovascular disease seen among this population. This review evaluates the implications of the pandemic on the practice and study of cardio-oncology. The evolving understanding of the relationship between comorbid disease and clinical outcomes among this population is assessed. With the impetus of the pandemic, cardio-oncology can be deliberate in embracing changes to cardiac screening, monitoring, and intervention during oncology care. Bridging 2 specialties, consideration of the lessons learned in cancer and cardiovascular may pivotally inform ongoing therapeutic efforts. Further, the development of multicenter registries focused on understanding and optimizing outcomes among these patients should be considered. Together, these insights may critically inform strategies for the care of cardio-oncology patients in future phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Strategies to Prevent Cardiovascular Toxicity in Breast Cancer: Is It Ready for Primetime?

Cardio-oncology is an emerging field tasked with identifying and treating cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (e.g., cytotoxic agents, immunotherapies, radiation, and hormone therapies) and optimizing the cardiovascular health of cancer patients exposed to these agents. Novel cancer therapies have led to significant improvements in clinical outcomes for breast cancer patients. In this article, we review the current literature on assessing cardiovascular risk of breast cancer therapies and discuss strategies (including pharmacological and lifestyle interventions) to prevent cardiovascular toxicity.

Optimizing Cardiovascular Health in Patients With Cancer: A Practical Review of Risk Assessment, Monitoring, and Prevention of Cancer Treatment-Related Cardiovascular Toxicity.

Advances in cancer screening and improved treatment approaches have led to an increase in survivorship and, consequently, recognition of an association between cancer treatments and the development of cardiovascular complications. In addition, as the population becomes proportionally older, comorbid cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in the population and compound the risk of developing cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a new subspecialty of medicine that provides a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together oncologists, cardiologists, and allied health care providers who are tasked with optimizing the cardiovascular health of patients exposed to potentially cardiotoxic cancer therapy. Using a case-based approach, practical advice on how to identify, monitor, and treat patients with cancer who are at risk for developing cancer treatment-related cardiovascular dysfunction is discussed. Cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., age, hypertension, diabetes) and cancer therapies (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation) associated with cardiovascular toxicity are presented. Current cardiac monitoring strategies such as two- and three-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and biomarkers (troponin and brain natriuretic peptide [BNP]) are discussed. Last, the current literature on pharmacologic (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ß-blockers, statins) and lifestyle (diet and exercise) strategies to mitigate cardiovascular toxicity during and following completion of cancer therapy are reviewed.

Cardio-oncology in clinical studies and real life.

Session V of the Colloquium was chaired by Professors Teresa López-Fernández of Spain and Grzegorz Opolski of Poland. The 3 speakers addressed cardio-oncology issues as they relate to both clinical studies and real life situations. Professor Susan Dent discussed cardio-oncology networks for patients, emphasizing the importance of establishing a framework where the expertise of the cardiology consultant can supplement and reinforce the goals of optimal cancer therapy. Professor Thomas Suter moved the discussion further, sharing his insight into cardiac monitoring in clinical trials, emphasizing the lack of uniform criteria and lack of consensus regarding reversibility of cardiac events and long-term implications of modest declines in systolic function frequently found in clinical trials for which long-term follow-up may not be a component of the trial. Professor Giorgio Minotti added important considerations to the discussion of clinical trials. He emphasized that the usual reporting of cardiac systolic function omits important diastolic dysfunction data generated but often ignored during the routine cardiac exams. The inclusion of cardiac biomarker changes would also help to broaden the perspective of cardiac effects and events seen in patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Perspectives on Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Research, Clinical Management and Community Engagement from the Duke IBC Consortium.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an understudied and aggressive form of breast cancer with a poor prognosis, accounting for 2-6% of new breast cancer diagnoses but 10% of all breast cancer-related deaths in the United States. Currently there are no therapeutic regimens developed specifically for IBC, and it is critical to recognize that all aspects of treating IBC - including staging, diagnosis, and therapy - are vastly different than other breast cancers. In December 2014, under the umbrella of an interdisciplinary initiative supported by the Duke School of Medicine, researchers, clinicians, research administrators, and patient advocates formed the Duke Consortium for IBC to address the needs of patients in North Carolina (an ethnically and economically diverse state with 100 counties) and across the Southeastern United States. The primary goal of this group is to translate research into action and improve both awareness and patient care through collaborations with local, national and international IBC programs. The consortium held its inaugural meeting on Feb 28, 2018, which also marked Rare Disease Day and convened national research experts, clinicians, patients, advocates, government representatives, foundation leaders, staff, and trainees. The meeting focused on new developments and challenges in the clinical management of IBC, research challenges and opportunities, and an interactive session to garner input from patients, advocates, and community partners that would inform a strategic plan toward continuing improvements in IBC patient care, research, and education.

Does integration of Magee equations into routine clinical practice affect whether oncologists order the Oncotype DX test? A prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The three Magee Equations provide an estimate of the Oncotype DX recurrence score using commonly available clinicopathologic information (tumour size, grade, oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2, and Ki67). We assessed whether integration of Magee Equations into routine clinical practice affected the frequency of Oncotype DX requests. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed, node negative, hormone receptor positive, and HER2 negative invasive breast cancer were randomized to undergo a Magee calculation or not. At the first clinic assessment, the oncologist was provided with all routinely available clinicopathologic information (including Ki67) either with or without the results of Magee Equations. Primary outcome was frequency of Oncotype DX ordering. Secondary outcomes included frequency of chemotherapy use, time to commencement of radiotherapy, or systemic therapy. Physician comfort with systemic therapy choices and the use of Ki67 and Magee Equations was also assessed. RESULTS: Data from 175 randomized patients was available, 84 patients (48%) with and 91 (52%) without calculated Magee Equations. Oncotype DX was ordered in 10 (12.05%) and 13 (14.44%) (RR 0.83, 0.39-1.80; P = 0.64) in the Magee and no Magee groups, respectively. There were no statistically or clinically significant differences between the randomized groups for any of the secondary outcomes. Availability of both Ki67 and Magee Equations was associated with increased physician comfort around systemic treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS: In a practice where Ki67 is routinely available, addition of Magee Equations into routine clinic practice was not associated with a reduction in Oncotype DX use. Availability of both Ki67 and Magee Equations did however increase physician comfort with systemic therapy decisions.

An International Survey of Health Care Providers Involved in the Management of Cancer Patients Exposed to Cardiotoxic Therapy.

Cardiotoxicity is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. The objective of this international cardiac oncology survey was to gain a better understanding of current knowledge and practice patterns among HCPs involved in the management of cancer patients exposed to potentially cardiotoxic drugs. Between 2012 and 2013, we conducted an email-based survey of HCPs involved in the management of cardiac disease in cancer patients. 393 survey responses were received, of which 77 were from Canadian respondents. The majority of respondents were cardiologists (47%), followed closely by medical oncologists. The majority of respondents agreed that cardiac issues are important to cancer patients (97%). However, only 36% of total respondents agreed with an accepted definition of cardiotoxicity. While 78% of respondents felt that cardiac medications are protective during active cancer treatment, only 51% would consider prescribing these medications up-front in cancer patients. Although results confirm a high level of concern for cardiac safety, there continues to be a lack of consensus on the definition of cardiotoxicity and a discrepancy in clinical practice between cardiologists and oncologists. These differences in opinion require resolution through more effective research collaboration and formulation of evidence-based guidelines.