What are the Common Cardiopulmonary Side Effects of Cancer Treatments?
Several side effects may arise due to cancer treatments affecting the cardiopulmonary system:
Cardiotoxicity: Certain chemotherapy agents, particularly anthracyclines, and targeted therapies like trastuzumab, can cause heart damage. Pulmonary Toxicity: Radiation therapy to the chest and some chemotherapeutic agents can lead to lung inflammation and fibrosis. Thromboembolism: Cancer and its treatments increase the risk of blood clots, which can affect both the heart and lungs. Heart Failure: Long-term treatments can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. Arrhythmias: Some treatments can cause irregular heartbeats.
