Cardiovascular risk in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Summary. Objectives. To systematically review the complex relationship between cardiovascular comorbidities and lung cancer, focusing on their impact on patient prognosis, treatment outcomes, and quality of life, with special emphasis on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. A total of 137 studies examining the following aspects were included: Prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular disease, thromboembolic events) in lung cancer patients; Prognostic implications of cardiovascular comorbidities across different stages of lung cancer; Impact of cardiovascular complications arising from cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy); Assessment of quality of life in lung cancer patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Results. The prevalence of various cardiovascular comorbidities in lung cancer patients across different stages remains high. Prognostic impact of pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities, especially in early-stage lung cancer remains negative. Cancer therapies can exacerbate existing cardiovascular conditions or induce new complications, significantly reducing the quality of life in patients with both lung cancer and cardiovascular comorbidities. Conclusions. To mitigate the risk of cardiovascular complications in lung cancer patients with comorbidities, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes proactive cardiovascular risk assessment and management throughout all stages of lung cancer treatment, the development of treatment strategies tailored to individual patient risk profiles, and continued research into the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular complications in lung cancer.