Cardio-Oncology: The Need of the Hour Subspeciality

There have been considerable advancements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, adverse effects often defeat the benefits, especially on the cardiovascular system. The effects of chemotherapeutic agents on the cardiovascular system can be directly on the heart by altering the coagulability state or by altering the hemodynamic system. Some drugs like Sunitinib and Bevacizumab show Heart Failure which is chemotherapy-induced. Other agents are notorious for showing QT prolongation like Vandetanib. Similarly, other agents with demonstrated cardiotoxicity would be molecular-targeted drugs (Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab) and cytostatic agents (Anthracycline antibiotics, Cyclophosphamide and 5-FU). These effects may present early or late, during or after the treatment. Most of the research has focused on the management and monitoring of patients for cancer who are under treatment, for example new biomarkers in the field of proteomics have been discovered for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients. While the upgrades have been successful in reducing mortalities, with the advent of better treatment outcomes, the several adverse effects on the cardiac system cannot be dismissed. For instance, damage to the cardiomyocytes is most frequently associated with the treatment. The damage can further expedite LV failure, valvular dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, etc. Hence, a better management plan for patients with cancer would be one that not only caters to primary cancer treatment but also incorporates ventricular systolic function evaluation using echocardiography, electrocardiography, and cardiac biomarkers for the well-being of patients. Our article focuses on introducing an ideal cardio-oncology team along with the components required for setting up the team. This needs a multidisciplinary approach to reduce patients’ cardiovascular morbidity, during and after the interventions. With the growing population of patients undergoing cancer therapy, the risk of developing cardiovascular problems has further escalated. Hence, development of a cardio-oncology multidisciplinary team would be of utmost importance to not only improve patient care but also to improve quality of life.