Establishing an oncocardiology service

Abstract

Oncocardiology is an emerging field in cardiovascular healthcare. Besides establishing surveillance and follow-up strategies for cancer patients, it will be essential to set up specialized oncocardiology services. However, there is a lack of clinical studies to give evidence-based recommendations regarding cardiological diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer patients. An oncocardiology service is a patient-centered structure that aims to integrate research and interdisciplinary patient care to bridge this gap. We discuss the current challenges in developing an oncocardiology service and review the literature on this topic. We further provide an overview of the essential diagnostic tools and upcoming ethical issues to be considered in the management of oncology patients.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Following Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy in Patients with Breast Cancer without Previous Cardiac Disease—A Meta-Analysis

“…Cardio-oncology units are essential for the assessment of cardiovascular function, including the standardised evaluation of diastolic function in cancer patients [57][58][59]. Through the serial and standardised evaluation of diastolic function in cardio-oncology units, together with the use of novel parameters e.g.…”

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“…Research indicates that multidisciplinary teams improve patient health outcomes and adherence to guidelines [16]. These advancements, along with evolv-ing modalities in cardio-oncology, contribute to improving survival rates among cancer patients, with the specialty primarily aimed at facilitating successful cancer treatments and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases [17]. This approach aims to ultimately decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the increasing population of cancer patients and survivors [18].…”

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“…Own studies are focused on phenotyping of certain cohorts and integration of different data sets (among others, PET-CT scans, biomarkers and cMRI) [8]. At our unit, especially checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis is a [10]). hs-cTnT high-sensitive cardiac troponin t, ACEi Angiotensin-convertingenzyme inhibitor, ECG electrocardiogram, CAD coronary artery disease major focus of clinical research and part of international collaborations [9].…”

“…Most importantly, the communication with the oncologist is crucial to achieve the best outcome for the patient. In the initial phase, the interaction between oncologists and cardiologists has intensified by participation in tumor boards and repeated presentations of cardio-oncological topics, but further referral and treatment strategies have to be developed and validated [10].…”