Efficacy of Neurohormonal Therapies in Preventing Cardiotoxicity in Patients With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Various cardioprotective approaches have been evaluated to prevent chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity; however, their overall utility remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of neurohormonal therapies in preventing cardiotoxicity in patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: This meta-analysis included randomized clinical trials of adult patients that underwent chemotherapy and neurohormonal therapies (beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, or ACE inhibitors/ARBs) vs. placebo with follow-up ≥4 weeks. The primary outcome was change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to the end of trial. Other outcomes of interest were measures of LV size, strain, and diastolic function. Pooled estimates for each outcome were reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) and weighted mean difference (WMD) between the neurohormonal therapy and placebo groups using random effects models. RESULTS: = 71%]. CONCLUSIONS: Neurohormonal therapies are associated with higher LVEF in follow-up among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, although absolute changes in LVEF are small and may be within inter-test variability. Furthermore, significant heterogeneity is observed in the treatment effects across studies highlighting the need for larger trials of cardioprotective strategies.