A Silent Threat: Novel Treatments and Therapies to Prevent Cancer Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) has emerged as a significant concern in the field of oncology, as advancements in cancer therapies have inadvertently introduced cardiovascular complications. These complications, such as heart failure, severely impact the quality of life of patients, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.

Despite the progress in cancer treatment, there remains a lack of definitive and effective strategies to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Current treatments for these patients are often suboptimal and non-specific, mirroring those used for non-oncologic heart failure patients. This highlights a critical gap in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent CIC, which is a frequent complication that limits the survival of oncologic patients. Addressing this unmet medical need requires a shift in the conceptual framework used for managing cardio-oncological patients, focusing on novel molecular mechanisms and pharmacological targets to design pioneering therapies.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the complex interplay between tumor therapy and cardiotoxicity, with a focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction in the context of cancer treatment.

The primary objective is to explore and elucidate the potential signaling pathways and molecular networks that connect the tumor and myocardium, leading to cardiotoxicity. By identifying novel pharmacological targets, the research seeks to develop innovative therapies to treat or prevent CIC, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

To gather further insights into the intricate relationship between cancer treatment and cardiotoxicity, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Molecular Pathways: Elucidating the key molecular pathways involved in cardiotoxicity following tumor therapy.
- Tumor-Myocardium Interplay: Investigating the bidirectional signaling between tumors and the myocardium and its impact on cardiac function.
- Novel Therapeutic Targets: Exploring promising targets to protect and ameliorate myocardial dysfunction caused by cancer treatments.
- Drug Development and Repurposing: Evaluating the potential of novel oligonucleotide-based therapies and drug candidates in mitigating cardiotoxicity.
- Mechanistic Insights: Presenting in-depth mechanistic insights into the disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis and its role in cardiac dysfunction post-chemotherapy.
- Clinical Perspectives: Addressing clinical observations and outcomes related to cardiotoxicity in cancer patients and potential treatment strategies.

Drug Metabolism and Transport welcomes submissions of the following article types: Clinical Trial, Correction, Data Report, Editorial, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Technology and Code.

Keywords: Heart Failure, Genetic Therapy, Cardiotoxicity, Ventricular remodeling, Integrative Oncology, Transporters

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.