Reverse cardio-oncology: Exploring the effects of cardiovascular disease on cancer pathogenesis

The field of cardio-oncology has emerged in response to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with cancer. However, recent studies suggest a more complicated CVD-cancer relationship, wherein development of CVD, either prior to or following a cancer diagnosis, can also lead to increased risk of cancer and worse outcomes for patients. In this review, we describe the current evidence base, across epidemiological as well as preclinical studies, which supports the emerging concept of 'reverse-cardio oncology', or CVD-induced acceleration of cancer pathogenesis.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown a complex relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, where development of CVD before or after a cancer diagnosis can lead to increased risk of cancer and worsened outcomes for patients. This emerging concept of 'reverse-cardio-oncology' suggests that CVD can accelerate cancer pathogenesis.