Cardio-Oncology

While cancer therapies continue to provide improved survival and cancer outcomes, many cancer treatments can also potentially cause adverse effects on the heart during or after treatment.  In fact, cancer survivors are at 2-6 times the risk to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those with no history of cancer. Cardio-oncologists at Washington University are heart specialists that excel in the prevention, detection and management of potential cardiac toxicities that can occur during or after cancer treatment.  The cardio-oncology team works closely with the hematology, oncology, and radiation oncology teams of the Siteman Cancer Center to help prevent or minimize cardiac side effects, maximize the cancer treatment, and give patients the best outcomes.

The Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence at Washington University is the embodiment of the multidiscliplinary collaboration between Hematology, Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Cardio-Oncology that provides internationally recognized care for our cancer patients.  In 2021, the center was one of only 15 centers in the world to receive the Gold Center of Excellence (the highest ranking) by the International Cardio-Oncology Society. Washington University was recognized for its outstanding patient care, innovative research, and internationally recognized leadership in the field.

Director

Clinical Expertise

• Partner with oncologists to provide rapid consultations utilizing our special expertise in the area of cancer-derived cardiotoxicity and work closely with them in situations where a combined approach is essential.
• Assist in screening for cardiac injury risk prior to initiating chemotherapy so that cardiac injury can be prevented or identified at the earliest opportunity to limit long-term harm.
• Minimize delays in arranging consultations and office visits. Cancer therapy cannot wait, and the goal of the program is to see new outpatients within one week or less.
• Coordination of care with the advanced heart failure program, as needed, for cardiac resynchronization therapy, circulatory assist devices, and cardiac transplantation.
• Dissemination of knowledge through educational programs in cardio-oncology to oncologists, cardiologists and physicians in training
• Creation of new knowledge through participation in multicenter clinical trials that are evaluating protocols for the detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiac toxicity in the setting of chemotherapy
• Improved surveillance of cardiac structure and function through the use of advanced cardiac imaging, including:
  • Advanced echocardiographic imaging techniques through 3D quantification and myocardial strain-rate imaging
  • Non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery disease through computer tomographic angiography (CTA)
  • Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to evaluate myocardial fibrosis, inflammation, edema, and cardiac function

The Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence at Washington University School of Medicine works closely with the Siteman Cancer Center Physicians to provide expertise in diagnostic testing, medical management, and interventional and surgical procedures for cancer patients.

The Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence at Washington University is unique because of it brings together cardiologists, oncologists, basic, translational, and clinical researchers who work together in promoting the cardiovascular health in patients with active cancer or survivors. Collaboration among investigators who have diverse expertise at Washington University and with other investigators worldwide allow for clinical research as an ongoing component of patient care. At Washington University, the Center for Cardiovascular Research is coordinating with the team of Cardio-Oncology physicians to examine underlying cardiac mechanisms affected by cancer treatments and develop biomarkers that may improve patient outcomes by employing ongoing evaluation and cardiac interventions. In this way, Cardio-Oncology at Washington University is striving to be the leader in defining cardiovascular care for cancer patients.

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