41^st World Cardiology Conference

Cardio-Oncology

Cardio-Oncology is an emerging and vital subspecialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing cancer treatment. With advancements in oncology leading to improved cancer survival rates, attention has increasingly turned toward the cardio toxic effects of cancer therapies and the need to protect heart health during and after treatment. Cardio-oncology bridges the gap between cardiology and oncology, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both cancer and cardiovascular risks.Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and radiation, can have adverse effects on the heart and vascular system. These complications can range from subclinical myocardial dysfunction to severe conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, ischemia, and thromboembolic events. The risk varies depending on the type of cancer treatment, the cumulative dose, patient-specific factors (such as age, existing cardiovascular disease, or genetic predisposition), and the presence of other comorbidities.One of the most well-known cardiotoxic agents is anthracycline-based chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin, which is associated with dose-dependent and often irreversible heart damage. HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab, commonly used in breast cancer, can also lead to left ventricular dysfunction, although typically reversible.