Effectiveness of self-management interventions in managing cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity in cancer survivors: a systematic review protocol

Background: Advancements in cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have increased survival rates. However, these treatments have side effects, such as cardiotoxicity, which significantly impact cancer survivors’ cardiovascular health and quality of life (QoL). Thus far, despite a limited amount of related literature, preliminary evidence suggests that patients can benefit from self-management. This systematic review aims to explore the effectiveness of self-management interventions in managing cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity and improving cardiovascular health and QoL. Methods: Two reviewers will independently appraise, extract, and synthesize data from eligible studies published in the last 20 years (January 2004 to November 2024) obtained through comprehensive literature searches in databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. Only English-language studies will be included. Study quality will be assessed using the JBI appraisal tool. Studies will be pooled in a statistical meta-analysis using software R 4.3.3 or summarized in narrative format. The certainty of the evidence will be graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Discussion: Despite the high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with cancer treatment, little is known about the effectiveness of self-management strategies on improving cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Currently, there is no systematic review or structured guidance focused on self-management for cancer survivors. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of self-management interventions in managing cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity and improving cardiovascular health in cancer survivors. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42024621854.