Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Cardiovascular Health after Cancer Treatment (#45)

Susan Dent 1
  1. University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States

Improved screening strategies and advances in cancer treatment has led to significant improvements in clinical outcomes for patients with cancer. Although gains in life expectancy are to be applauded, it should be recognized that cancer survivors are at increased risk of non-cancer related morbidity and mortality including cardiovascular disease. Post-menopausal women with early-stage breast cancer, several years out from their diagnosis, have a great risk of mortality from cardiovascular that recurrence of their cancer. Cancer survivorship begins at the time of a cancer diagnosis and therefore models of survivorship care should provide individualized care throughout the patient’s cancer journey. Cardio-oncology has emerged as a discipline to manage cardiovascular health in patients throughout and following cancer treatment. Clinical guidelines which address cardiovascular health in cancer survivors have been developed by several organizations including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Key strategies include risk stratification, primary prevention, lifestyle interventions, pharmacological management, appropriate cardiovascular monitoring, and tailored exercise programs. Risk of CV toxicity is a dynamic variable that changes throughout survivorship based on modifiable and non-modifiable conditions, as well as the type, duration, and intensity of cancer therapies. Effective cardiovascular care of cancer survivors hinges on collaboration between specialists and patients, underscoring the importance of shared-care models in survivorship.