The Effect of Combined Chemotherapy in Women With Breast Cancer on the Stiffness of the Common Carotid Artery and Pulse Wave Parameters Studied by Echo Tracking

Abstract

The aim of the study was to study the effect of combined chemotherapy in women with breast cancer (BC) on arterial stiffness and pulse wave by ultrasound examination of the common carotid artery (CCA) using echo tracking technology.Materials and methods. 40 women with triple negative breast cancer aged 27 to 75 years (47.5±12.0) were examined initially and after chemotherapy with the inclusion of anthracyclines (doxorubicin), taxanes (paclitaxel) and platinum derivatives (cisplatin). Arterial stiffness parametres (β-stiffness index, Ep-elastic modulus, AC-arterial compliance, PWV-pulse wave velocity) and AI - augmentation index were studied in the distal CCA at a distance of 2 cm from bifurcation on an Aloka ProSound α7 ultrasound machine using echo tracking technology.Results. After combined chemotherapy the parameters b, Ep, PWV not significantly changed (9,3±4,3 vs 8,9±4,5, р=0,63 ;128,73±65,9 vs 119,0±69,5 кПа, р=0,29 ; 6,7±1,5 vs 6,3±1,5 m/s, р=0,24 respectively). Statistically significant decrease in AI from 14, 5±11.3 to 11.1±10.6% (p=0.009) and an increase in AC from 0.72±0.25 to 0.87±0.3 mm2 / kPa (p=0.004) were demonstrated as well as decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) from 129.5±14.0 to 118.5±14.5 mm Hg (p=0.0001) and an increase in heart rate from 67.9±10.7 to 76.6±12.1 bpm (p=0.0004), lower the level of hemoglobin from 129.6±20.4 to 102.2±16.3 g / l (p=0.00001) and red blood cells from 4.7±0.4 to 3.3±0.6 1012 / l (p=0.00001).Conclusion: In women with breast cancer in the early period after combined chemotherapy with the inclusion of anthracyclines (doxorubicin), taxanes (paclitaxel) and platinum derivatives (cisplatin), there were no increased stiffness of the common carotid artery. Pseudo-positive changes in the form of an increase in the extensibility of the vascular wall and a decrease in the augmentation index are explained by general hemodynamic changes in the form of a decrease in the SBP, an increase in heart rate, as well as anemia during chemotherapy.