[Prevention of radiotherapy-related cardiotoxicity : benefits of a specialized cardio-oncologic assessment and follow-up].

Abstract

To accept the toxic side effects of any treatment, whether medical, surgical or radiotherapeutic, cannot be avoided but implies to evaluate them taking into account the severity and prognosis of the disease that is concerned. Screening, preventing and treatment of these side effects are an integral aspect of the treatment of cancers. We will here review the contribution of the cardio-oncology, a recently emerged medical specialty. Cardiac irradiation cannot be avoided when treating several cancers, most frequently left sided breast cancer. As soon as radiotherapy is considered, it is of prime importance to evaluate each patient's risk factors and to handle them. If technical progresses have led to the complete disappearance of acute side effects of radiotherapy, this is not true for the delayed ones that may occur many years after the irradiation. Hence the need for «red flags» and for a systematic follow-up. Cardiac complications of left breast irradiation concern all aspects of cardiology: diseases of cardiac rhythm, valvulopathies, heart failure, coronary and pericardial disorders.