Trastuzumab may affect elderly patients' cardiovascular health
The prevalence of cancer continues to be widespread, but developments in research and medicine have led to the creation of drugs that may be able to help.
The prevalence of cancer continues to be widespread, but developments in research and medicine have led to the creation of drugs that may be able to help. For example, women who have breast cancer can buy Tamoxifen to help keep the disease from spreading. However, discussing the best options for medication with a trusted physician is vital to ensuring optimal health. Some products may be not be appropriate for all ages, since a study published in the journal Annals of Oncology reported that another breast cancer drug called trastuzumab could raise the risk of heart problems in elderly patients.
Researchers analyzed the records of 45 women between the ages of 70 and 92 who had been taking trastuzumab since 2005. An estimated 26.7 percent of the patients developed heart problems that were caused by the drug, which was a high percentage compared to another study conducted among younger, healthier women.
"Until now, few risk factors have been identified among patients in clinical trials," lead author Cesar Serrano stated. "Our study has demonstrated a significantly increased incidence of cardiac events among patients aged 70 and over with cardiovascular risk factors such as a history of cardiac disease and diabetes.
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