Cardio-Oncology Department
Cardio-Oncology: Bridging Cardiology and Oncology
**Cardio-oncology** is a new branch of medicine addressing the co-existence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Its main purpose is to consider both cardiology and oncology aspects to make the best decisions regarding prevention, monitoring, and treatment of diseases.
**Cancer and cardiovascular disease** are the two most common non-communicable diseases causing the highest global mortality. In recent years, the growing volume of the elderly population and improved overall survival has led to the co-existence of these conditions in a large group of patients. Moreover, cardiovascular events have been recognized as a major cause of mortality among cancer survivors.
As a tertiary cardiovascular center, this institution has dealt with a significant number of cancer patients referred for cardiovascular evaluation. This experience has recently been structuralized and the cardio-oncology discipline has been launched in **Shaheed Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center**.
Clinical Services and Patient Profile
Since the launch of the program, many patients have been visited for oncology-related cardiovascular assessment at our center. The patient profile shows that **70 percent** of them suffer from **breast cancer**, with GI cancers patients being the next most common group.
Currently, cardio-oncology and cardiology consult services are available in a **weekly basis clinic**, however, imaging workup of the patients is performed on a **daily basis**.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
**Three dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of LVEF and strain imaging** are routinely used for serial assessment of breast cancer patients and others referred for cardiotoxicity evaluation. **CMR** is also available in the center, which is mostly reserved for equivocal echocardiographic results and research purposes.
Research Focus and Fellowship
Several investigational projects are also being run in the department, mainly focusing on **earlier and more sensitive detection of cardiotoxicity**. This includes the evaluation of the **additive value of circumferential strain imaging** and the use of **heart model software** compared to routine 3D evaluations of left ventricular function among patients undergoing Anthracycline and other cardio-toxic agents’ treatment.
Considering the very limited number of specialists and inadequate expertise in this field, the curriculum for a **cardio-oncology fellowship training** in the center is being prepared based on the latest international recommendations. This program aims to expand knowledge and improve the clinical care of cancer patients in an organized manner, in order to **decrease the cardiovascular burden** of these patients.