Abstract 7110: Exploring cardiovascular comorbidities in cancer-directed therapies for patients with breast cancer in the southwestern United States: A two-center analysis
Authors: Tomas Escobar-Gil, Emily Sherry, Alexandra C. Millhuff, Victoria Ayodele, Aymen Baig, Valeria G. Hanson, Oscar F. Borja-Montes, Jacklyn M. Nemunaitis, Marcela Mazo-Canola
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Background: In 2024, approximately 43, 700 women in the U.S. are expected to die from breast cancer. This disease is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, especially among Hispanic women, who face unique risks, including higher cardiotoxicity rates from treatments like anthracyclines and trastuzumab. Nearly 40% of breast cancer patients experience cardiovascular comorbidities such as hypertension and heart failure, worsened by treatment-related toxicities, and cardiovascular disease has emerged as a leading cause of death among breast cancer survivors. Health disparities contribute to these outcomes, with Hispanic women facing barriers to care and a slower decline in cancer-related fatalities compared to non-Hispanic White women. This study investigates these factors within the Southwestern U.S., where the burden of breast cancer is significant. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 394 breast cancer patients from two medical centers located in the Southwestern U.S. (195 from the UNMCCC in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and 199 from UTHSCSA Mays Cancer Center in San Antonio, Texas) treated between January 2022 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed adult patients diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer, receiving treatment with curative intent, excluding those with incomplete records. Data was extracted from electronic health records, covering demographics, treatment regimens, radiation use, and cardiovascular conditions while adhering to HIPAA regulations. Results: The study included 394 breast cancer patients, with a mean age of 59.94 years (SD = 12.11) and a mean BMI of 30.12 kg/m2 (SD = 6.58). Women comprised 99% of the cohort (n=389). Patients from UTHSCSA had a mean BMI of 31.00 kg/m2 (SD = 6.45), while those from UNMCCC had a mean BMI of 29.25 kg/m2 (SD = 6.62). Approximately 84.1% identified as Latino (White), with 61.3% (n=241) pre-menopausal and 83.0% (n=327) having hormone receptor-positive cancer. Anthracyclines were given to 21.1% (n=83), and HER2-directed treatments were administered to 14.7% (n=58) of patients. Radiation therapy was utilized in 58.5% (n=113) of the cohort. Hypertension was the most prevalent cardiovascular condition, affecting 46.5% (n=184), followed by diabetes mellitus (26.1%) and hyperlipidemia (29.7%). Cardioprotective medication usage varied, with around 50% not receiving any such treatments. Discussion: The findings highlight the health challenges of the Latino population, especially concerning hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The high rates of obesity and cardiovascular comorbidities underscore the need for targeted interventions. Treatment plans should be individualized for each patient’s cardiovascular comorbidities while receiving cancer treatment and delivered through a multidisciplinary approach. Citation Format: Tomas Escobar-Gil, Emily Sherry, Alexandra C. Millhuff, Victoria Ayodele, Aymen Baig, Valeria G. Hanson, Oscar F. Borja-Montes, Jacklyn M. Nemunaitis, Marcela Mazo-Canola. Exploring cardiovascular comorbidities in cancer-directed therapies for patients with breast cancer in the southwestern United States: A two-center analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 7110.