Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of cancer treatment that helps your body’s immune system fight cancer cells. These medications work by blocking certain proteins that prevent your immune system from attacking cancer. In this study, researchers are looking at how these cancer treatments may affect your heart and blood vessels.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer – This is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 85% of all lung cases. The disease begins when cells in the lungs start growing abnormally and uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with breathing. As the cancer progresses, it can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Symptoms may include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. The disease typically develops slowly compared to other types of lung cancer. Growth rate and spread pattern vary depending on the specific subtype of non-small cell lung cancer.

Renal Cell Carcinoma – This is a type of kidney cancer that originates in the lining of the small tubes within the kidney that filter blood and produce urine. The cancer usually begins as a single tumor in one kidney, but it can affect both kidneys in rare cases. As the disease advances, the tumor grows larger and may invade nearby tissues and blood vessels. Cancer cells can break away and spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other organs. Early stages often produce no symptoms, but as it progresses, patients may experience blood in urine, back pain, weight loss, and fatigue. The disease tends to grow slowly in its early stages but can become aggressive if left undetected.

Small Cell Lung Cancer – This is an aggressive type of lung cancer that grows and spreads more rapidly than non-small cell lung cancer. The disease develops when cells in the lungs begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors that can quickly grow in size. It has a strong tendency to spread early to other parts of the body, including the brain, liver, and bones. Most cases are closely linked to cigarette smoking and are rarely found in people who have never smoked. Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and unexplained weight loss. The cancer cells are smaller in size when viewed under a microscope, which gives the disease its name.

Head and Neck Cancer – This term refers to a group of cancers that develop in the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses, or salivary glands. These cancers typically begin in the cells that line the moist surfaces inside these areas. The disease usually starts as a single tumor that grows locally and can invade nearby tissues and structures. As it progresses, the cancer may spread to lymph nodes in the neck and eventually to distant organs. Symptoms vary depending on the location but may include a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, a lump in the neck, or mouth sores that do not heal. The disease can affect breathing, eating, and speaking as it advances.

Bladder Carcinoma – This is a cancer that begins in the cells lining the inside of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The disease most commonly starts in the innermost layer of the bladder wall and may remain superficial or grow deeper into the bladder muscle. As the cancer progresses, it can invade the muscular wall of the bladder and spread to nearby organs such as the prostate, uterus, or vagina. It may also spread to lymph nodes and distant organs through the bloodstream. The most common symptom is blood in the urine, which may appear red or cola-colored, along with frequent or painful urination. Some bladder cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the surface, while others are more aggressive and invasive.

Malignant Melanoma – This is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment in the skin. The disease typically begins as an abnormal growth or change in an existing mole, appearing as a dark, irregularly shaped spot on the skin. Melanoma can grow downward into deeper layers of skin and has a strong tendency to spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Early changes may include variations in the color, size, shape, or texture of a mole or pigmented area. As it progresses, the tumor becomes thicker and penetrates deeper into the skin layers. The disease can occur anywhere on the body but is most common in areas exposed to the sun.