Cardiac side effects in cancer treatment

An increasing number of cancer patients are being treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), which has significantly improved the survival rate. However, the treatment carries an increased risk of side effects, including cardiac affection. Though rare, cardiac affection has a high mortality rate (30-50%), making early detection and treatment essential.

Troponin, a biomarker measured in blood, is used to screen for cardiac affection during ICI treatment, but it remains unclear how elevated troponin levels relate to the risk of serious cardiac side effects.

“The aim of the project, which is supported by the Vissing Foundation, is to investigate the association between elevated troponin levels and the risk of severe cardiac affection in cancer patients receiving ICI treatment.” The project will also investigate how existing cardiovascular disease affects the troponin response during treatment,” says
Anna Kjelgaard, Doctor, Department of Cardiology B, OUH.

The project follows patients receiving ICI treatment over two years. Participants are divided into two groups: One with elevated troponin levels and one with normal troponin levels. Both groups undergo regular assessments of cardiac function.

“The results from the project will provide a scientific basis for assessing the risk of serious cardiac affection in cancer patients receiving ICI treatment and will improve safety during treatment. By targeting high-risk patients and reducing unnecessary and resource-intensive assessments of low-risk patients, the project will help optimise healthcare resources,” explains Anna Kjelgaard.