Many cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have been linked to potential cardiac damage. Anthracyclines, a class of chemotherapy drugs, are known for their efficacy in treating various cancers. However, they are also notorious for causing cardiotoxicity, which can lead to heart failure. Other agents, such as trastuzumab used in breast cancer, can exacerbate this effect.
Radiation therapy, particularly when targeting areas near the heart, can also cause damage to heart tissues over time. The risk increases with the dose of radiation and the proximity of the heart to the radiation field.
