Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in women.

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) is a major complication found with some life-saving medications used to treat breast and other cancers. Cardiotoxicity may present immediately during treatment or years later. These patients need education, screening, preventive measures, prompt interventions, and proper follow-up. This article focuses on CIC in patients who have breast cancer, but the process of evaluation and treatment design applies to all types of cancer and organ toxicities. Comprehensive pretreatment history, examination, and testing are needed for proper diagnosis and staging. CIC and other toxicities need to be considered in drug selection, treatment sequencing, testing, and appropriate follow-up.