Cardio-oncology

Cancer therapy, whether it be radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy, has improved patient survival rates and increased the overall cure rate. These treatments have made tremendous leaps and bounds in the quest to cure cancer, but they are not without their complications. They can sometimes cause problems in the heart and vascular system - called cardiotoxicity. Cardiac side effects can develop before or after cancer treatment, and can cause long-term heart damage and can often be fatal. The cardio-oncology team treats patients who are at high risk for heart complications as well as those who have a history of heart disease. Utilizing a collaborative approach to personalized care, our expert team reduces and manages the risks of treatment-related cardiac toxicities.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Any cancer therapy that affects cardiac safety requires precise monitoring. Cancer complications include:

• Arrhythmias and QT prolongation
• Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
• Hypertension
• Myocarditis
• Venous and arterial thrombosis

Patients, who experience symptoms associated with these cardiovascular complications during cancer therapy, undergo early investigation and diagnosis. This may include:

• Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• Biomarkers and blood tests
• Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiogram including pulmonary embolism protocol
• Cardiac MRI
• Comprehensive echocardiography including global longitudinal strain assessment
• Coronary angiogram
• Duplex arterial or venous for periphery
• ECG and holter monitoring
• Endomyocardial biopsy
• Nuclear scintigraphy
• Vital signs test

Treatments

Treatment for cardiac complications caused by cancer therapies can be prevented via:

• Antiarrhythmics
• Anticoagulation
• Diuretics
• Heart failure drugs
• Heart failure therapy
• Hypertension therapy
• Surgery (in rare cases)

Additionally, we evaluate, diagnose and treat cardiac toxicities related to cancer treatments, and use the process of risk stratification to minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications, which involves identifying the right level of care and services for distinct subgroups of patients. Moreover, we:

• Consider cardiovascular risk factors prior to cancer therapy
• Ensure early detection of cardiovascular complications
• Provide the early therapy of complications
• Prevent cardiac complications during and post cancer therapy