Urgent Call to Address Heart Health in Cancer Treatment: A New Era in Cardio-Oncology Begins

Sophia Antipolis, December 13, 2024 - The fear and urgency accompanying a cancer diagnosis often overshadow critical aspects of patient health, particularly heart health. However, experts from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) are sounding the alarm: integrating cardiovascular health into cancer treatment plans from the outset is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

As our population ages and cancer diagnoses increase, the number of patients suffering from cardiovascular side effects related to cancer treatments is on the rise. In response to this alarming trend, the ESC has announced the inaugural Cardio-Oncology conference, scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy. This conference aims to spotlight the intersection of cancer therapies and cardiovascular disease (CVD), fostering collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.

According to previous studies published in the European Heart Journal, about one-third (32%) of cancer patients face mild toxicities that could escalate without proper supervision. Alarmingly, 3% of these patients experience moderate toxicity, while an additional 3% suffer from severe complications. These statistics underscore the necessity of vigilant monitoring and early intervention.

Dr. Teresa López-Fernandez from University Hospital La Paz in Madrid, and co-Chair of the ESC Cardio-Oncology Guidelines Task Force, states, "The objective of cardio-oncology is to minimize the burden of cardiovascular disease in cancer patients, enabling them to receive the most effective cancer treatments with the least side effects and interruptions."

Dr. Alexander Lyon from the Royal Brompton Hospital in London echoes these sentiments, warning that we may face a "cardio-oncology epidemic." He attributes this risk to the growing population of cancer survivors, particularly among those aged 65 and over, who are more likely to require long-term cancer therapies that can induce cardiovascular issues.

In 2018, the ESC established the Council of Cardio-Oncology, a multidisciplinary initiative aimed at the prevention, early detection, and management of CVD stemming from cancer treatments. Today, the council boasts over 2,000 members globally and a dedicated board of volunteers.

In 2022, the Guidelines Taskforce released the first-ever ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines on cardio-oncology. The guidelines prioritize cardiovascular risk assessments, the application of preventive measures for high-risk patients, and advanced monitoring techniques using cardiac imaging and biomarkers. They also delineate procedures for early management of cardiac toxicities, striving to maintain cancer treatment when possible.

Dr. López-Fernandez emphasizes, "Our cardio-oncology teams craft effective 'shields' to protect the hearts of oncology patients, underscoring the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists."

The guidelines not only delve into cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, and hypertension but also spotlight specific patient populations that warrant special attention, including children, adolescents, and pregnant women battling cancer.

As both experts predict an inevitable rise in cancer patients facing toxic cardiovascular side effects, the ESC is committed to establishing a global dialogue at the upcoming conference to improve outcomes for this at-risk group.

In a pivotal partnership, the Council of Cardio-Oncology is collaborating on the RESILIENCE Trial, an EU-funded initiative focused on developing strategies to mitigate anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Attendees at ESC Cardio-Oncology 2025 will have the chance to engage with the RESILIENCE team in dedicated sessions.

This essential focus on cardio-oncology marks a significant advancement in patient care, illuminating the path toward safer, more comprehensive cancer treatments. The time to act is now—because when it comes to health, every heartbeat counts.