AF & Cancer Treatment

Hello all, I'm hoping you can help us?

I've received a patient call today from someone who has atrial fibrillation - well controlled with sotalol. Their last episode was in 2016. They've never had a cardioversion or ablation.

They also take apixaban - low dose due to low weight.

They are due to start chemo and radiotherapy treatment for cancer very soon and have read that this can trigger AF and damage the heart. Currently this is not a resource of information we have produced, and therefore cannot advise.

This person is a member on the forum, but wishes to remain anonymous.

Any advice would be gratefully received, and may go towards a new resource in the future!

Thank you in advance!

Rachel - AF Association patient services

[BobD Volunteer]

I had radiotherapy (33 sessions ) and thee years of hormone tretment when I had prostate cancer in 2010/11 with no affect on my (ablated) AF at that time nor since if that helps. We are of course all different Rachel!.

It may of course depend on where the cancer is since radiotherapy can be either broadly focussed or spot focussed. During my treatment I had both due to the cancer having spread from the orioginal site(prostate) and that initial 22 "shot gun" blasts did inflame both my bowel and my bladder although the former recovered well after they moved to the rifle approach. The bladder took much longer.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Bob

[Frances123]

I had radiotherapy November/December 2017 for breast cancer. Radiologist was aware of my Afib and they put a filter in the machine that protected the heart from the radiation because of the Afib. They actually showed it to me. It was also documented on the consent form.

If they make sure to tell radiologist of their Afib they will take great care and can possibly put a filter in for them as well if it is targeted for breast cancer.

I didn’t have to have chemo but like Bob I have hormone therapy for 5 years of which I’ve done 2 now.

I have just had a PVI ablation but Afib and ectopics didn’t really kick off badly until Easter this year so nothing to do with radiotherapy.

Frances xxx

[Ritan]

I have AF, I've never needed any treatment, I do take Wafarin and Bisoprolol.

I have just recovered from cancer in my neck and at the base of my tongue. I had 30 shots of radiotherapy and some chemo. I did have to come off warfarin whilst I was having my treatment and had daily injections instead, sorry I can't remember the name of the injections. I believe this was because of the interactions of the warfarin and the chemo.

I had no ill affects at all. My oncologist and consultant did keep a close eye on things.

I am now just over a year officially cancer free, I've had no further problems with my AF. I went back onto warfarin as soon as my treatment finished.

[opal11uk]

I had breast cancer in 2008 and Radiotherapy x 15 sessions and all was well, shame it doesnt get rid of the P/AF at the same time!!!

[NooNoo14]

The persons Haematologist should be aware if the chemo / drugs will react to the AF drugs or make AF worse.

Netty