Predictors of early subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in breast cancer patients treated with Trastuzumab

Abstract

Background: Trastuzumab (TRZ) enhances survival outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer however carries a substantial risk of cardiotoxicity that may not be detected by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) alone. Objectives: To identify early predictors of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction during TRZ therapy. Methods: This prospective observational study involved 100 women starting TRZ with baseline LVEF > 55% and normal high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) who underwent assessments at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Testing included clinical evaluation, hs-TnT, LVEF, and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results: hs-TnT was elevated in 21% at 3 months and 22% at 6 months (p