CAN CANCER TREATMENT AFFECT MY HEART?

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Currently, several treatment options exist. Some options available can potentially impact your heart. These adverse effects can range from alterations in heart rate, heart failure, inflammation of the heart muscle, heart attack, or changes in electrical conduction. When discussing with your oncology provider, there are specific questions you can ask to understand the potential impact on your heart health. These questions include: • Are the medications I receive going to impact my heart health? • Will these medications interfere with any blood pressure or heart medications I am on? • How will I be monitored for potential impact on my heart function? • If I have experienced adverse cardiac effects, how will this be managed? Certain agents used for cancer treatment to be mindful of include: • Any anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin) • Alkylating agents (e.g., Cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin) • Anti-HER2 agents (e.g., Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab) • Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (e.g., Imatinib, Erlotinib_) • Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (e.g., Bebacizumab) Generally, before and during treatment, your provider may order testing periodically to assess the impact on your heart. This testing may include: • EKG – to check for any delay in electrical conduction, changes in heart rhythm and/or rate. • Echocardiogram: To assess for any reduction in heart pumping function. • MUGA scan: Will also assess for changes in heart pumping function. If there is a change in the hearts pumping function (Ejection Fraction), your oncology provider may consider referral to Cardiology or may possibly hold or delay treatment or change treatment. This will be discussed, and the risks and benefits weighted. If the heart pumping function is reduced, Cardiology will offer medication options which can also help to improve heart pumping function and rule out any additional contributing cause. In some cases, radiation therapy may be necessary. Advances have been made over the years to avoid negative impact on the heart. There is a small risk of potential exposure in patients receiving radiation for breast, lung, esophageal, long term for the development of potential coronary or valvular heart disease. For those patients who already have pre-existing heart conditions, this may warrant closer monitoring and/or consideration of alternate treatment options. Ask your oncology provider how they plan to collaborate your care with your Cardiology provider to provide the safest experience. *Mediastinal tumors are masses of cells that appear in the space between your lungs, called mediastinum. These tumors may be cancerous but are usually noncancerous. Definition from Cleveland Clinic. EMPOWERING PROGRESS: THE DEPT. OF DEFENSE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM 4/1/2024 BY CHRISTINE CARPENTER AND LORI SEAWEL, BPT ADVOCACY COMMITTEE AND NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC) BOARD MEMBERS The Department of Defense (DOD) Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP), a groundbreaking program championed by the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), has been instrumental in driving forward innovative research, providing hope for countless individuals facing this disease. The HER2 targeted therapy, Trastuzumab (Herceptin), commonly used for treatment of HER2+ breast cancer, is one example of a successful treatment that benefitted from DOD BCRP funding.  The DOD BCRP traces its roots back to the early 1990s when NBCC spearheaded efforts to increase federal funding for breast cancer research. Recognizing the urgent need for dedicated resources, NBCC advocated tirelessly, mobilizing advocates and lawmakers to prioritize breast cancer research. Due to NBCC’s efforts and the Congressional leadership of Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Alfonse D’Amato (R-NY) in FY1993, Congress appropriated $210 million in the DOD research and development budget for a breast cancer peer-reviewed research program administered by the Department of the Army. As a result of NBCC’s grassroots advocacy, including our own Beyond Pink TEAM advocates, and the DOD BCRP’s demonstrated success, Congress has appropriated funding for the program each year since. Since its inception, the program has played a pivotal role in funding groundbreaking research initiatives, ranging from understanding the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer to developing innovative treatment approaches. Through a rigorous peer-reviewed process, the program allocates funding to projects with the potential to make significant strides in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Christine Carpenter, our Beyond Pink TEAM Advocacy Council chair, has served on the peer-review panel. The impact of the DOD BCRP extends far beyond scientific discoveries. It has fostered collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and advocates, creating a vibrant community dedicated to advancing our understanding of breast cancer. By prioritizing innovative research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the program has paved the way for transformative breakthroughs that have improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals affected by breast cancer. The first of its kind, the DOD BCRP has served as a model peer-review program, with nearly forty disease- or condition-specific programs modeled after it, all under the umbrella of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Yet, despite the remarkable progress achieved through the DOD BCRP, our work as breast cancer advocates is far from over. Each year, we must continue to advocate for robust appropriations from Congress to ensure that this vital program receives the funding it needs to sustain momentum and drive progress. Beyond Pink TEAM advocates recently asked Iowa Senators and Representatives to once again support level funding ($150 million) for this essential program for FY2025. With ongoing support and investment, we can build on past successes and move closer to our shared goal of ending breast cancer once and for all.