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Alteration in cardiac biomarkers associated with breast cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity

Barzy Karim Hassan
Department of Clinical biochemistry, College of Health Science, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
Sardar Nouri Ahmed
Department of Clinical biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Barzy Karim Hassan, Sardar Nouri Ahmed (Author)

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Abstract

Background and objective: Breast cancer medications, including chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted treatments, are linked to increased cardiovascular risk, frequently leading to early cardiac dysfunction. This study examines cardiac and lipid biomarker alterations throughout breast cancer chemotherapy and their correlation with cardiovascular problems.

Methods: A case-control study involved 90 females, 60 breast cancer patients (30 before and 30 after treatment), and 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C), the tumor marker CA 15-3, and cardiac biomarkers Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP), Troponin T, CK-MB, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), and C-reactive Protein (CRP) were assessed.

Results: The mean age was 44±1.64 for the controls and 46.53±1.14 in patients. The BMI was significantly higher in breast cancer patients (P <0.001). Troponin T levels significantly rose (95% confidence intervals post-treatment were (2.46 to 2.70, P <0.001). Triglycerides, VLDL, and atherogenic index increased significantly P-values (0.011, 0.011, 0.014). CA 15-3 concentrations were significantly elevated in both pre-treatment and post-treatment groups as compared to controls (P-value = 0.016). Post-treatment BNP (95% CI: 52.7 to 131.7) levels were elevated, but lacked statistical significance (P-value 0.081).

Conclusion: Elevated Troponin T and BNP levels after breast cancer treatment, indicating early cardiac stress, which supports the need for routine monitoring of cardiac biomarkers in patients undergoing therapy. Early detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity could allow for timely intervention and help reduce long-term cardiovascular complications.

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How to Cite
Karim Hassan, B., & Ahmed, S. N. . (2026). Alteration in cardiac biomarkers associated with breast cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (ZJMS), 30(1), 201–212. https://doi.org/10.15218/zjms.2026.015

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