Epidemiology
Chemotherapy may raise Lp(a) in breast cancer survivors, adding cardiovascular risk on top of cancer treatment, a review (Lipids Health Dis 2023)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) in patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy: exploring potential strategies for cardioprotection
This review examines evidence that chemotherapeutic agents may influence Lp(a) concentrations in breast cancer survivors, a growing population for whom cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death. Based on epidemiological and observational evidence, the authors suggest that higher Lp(a) concentration corresponds to greater median cardiovascular disease risk in this population, though clinical trial data confirming a causal relationship are still lacking. The review also surveys existing and emerging Lp(a)-lowering strategies potentially relevant for cardioprotection in this group, including hormone replacement therapy, statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, and small interfering RNA. The authors call for dedicated clinical trials to clarify Lp(a) role and management in breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy.
Original abstract
Developments in neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy (CHT) have led to an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors. The determination of an appropriate follow-up for these patients is of increasing importance. Deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are an important part of mortality in patients with breast cancer.This review suggests that chemotherapeutic agents may influence lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentrations in breast cancer survivors after CHT based on many convincing evidence from epidemiologic and observational researches. Usually, the higher the Lp(a) concentration, the higher the median risk of developing CVD. However, more clinical trial results are needed in the future to provide clear evidence of a possible causal relationship. This review also discuss the existing and emerging therapies for lowering Lp(a) concentrations in the clinical setting. Hormone replacement therapy, statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, Antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, etc. may reduce circulating Lp(a) or decrease the incidence of CVD.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.