Therapy management of cardiovascular adverse events in the context of targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
International Journal of Urology, 05/15/2012

Schmidinger M et al. – Implementation of therapy management measures contributes towards maximizing treatment outcomes with targeted agents in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

• Targeted agents have significantly improved outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and are changing long–term expectations in these patients.
• Experience with these agents highlights a distinct safety and tolerability profile, differing from that observed with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Cardiovascular adverse events have been observed when treating with targeted agents.
• This is of particular importance for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who are elderly and present with significant comorbidities.
• A multidisciplinary approach and close collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is essential for optimal management of cardiovascular adverse events.
• Strategies for the management of these adverse events include assessment of cardiovascular status at baseline and at regular intervals, patient education, and the use of supportive medication.
• Effective therapy management allows patients with cardiovascular adverse events to receive and continue targeted therapy with careful monitoring.