Cancer and heart disease have many of the same underlying risk factors, including smoking and metabolic disease like diabetes, and some cancer therapies further elevate the risks of cardiac problems. From breast cancer patients on the targeted therapy Herceptin, to lung cancer patients who receive large amounts of radiation, many patients will have a higher risk of developing cardiac-related issues after their treatment concludes.
A growing recognition that cancer patients and survivors face an increased likelihood of developing heart disease is driving the need for specialized cardio-oncology care.
As the range of cancer treatments continues to explode with more and more therapeutic agents becoming available, it’s incredibly challenging for general cardiologists to keep up with all the potential heart issues and side effects that cancer patients may face.
“There just are not enough cardiologists to treat all the patients with cancer and heart disease,” said Endeavor Health cardiologist Tariq Azam, MD, who specializes in cardio-oncology and has expertise in complex issues like cancer-related cardiotoxicity. “Our team is helping to fulfill what are often unmet needs.”
Endeavor Health’s robust oncology program includes a dedicated team of specially trained cardiologists working to provide advanced heart care for cancer patients. What does the program look like?
- Team collaboration. One of the biggest strengths of the cardio-oncology program is the close and constant collaboration between the physicians — specially-trained cardiologists and oncologists. “We’re in constant communication as we work through very nuanced issues like when to stop or delay specific cancer therapies due to heart problems,” said Dr. Azam.
For example, patients receiving Herceptin will also undergo an ultrasound of their heart every three months and 5-7% of them will develop some sort of cardiac abnormality that sends them to a cardio-oncology specialist.
- Prevention. “A lot of what we do is prevention and working with cancer patients before they develop cardiac complications,” Dr. Azam said. Patients may start to worry that they should stop exercising if they have potential heart issues during their cancer treatment and Dr. Azam is quick to reassure them that he wants them to stay active. “Studies show that patients who exercise during cancer treatment generally have fewer side effects than those who don’t,” he said.
- Specialized training. Research and education are also vital elements of the cardio-oncology program and nine cardiology fellows rotate through cardio-oncology clinics. Education efforts extend to specialized training for Endeavor Health nurses, echocardiogram technicians, physician assistants, pharmacists and other clinicians caring for cancer patients.
- Support. Working with cancer survivors is a very important part of the cardio-oncology program and Dr. Azam and his colleagues understand that these patients have already gone through a stressful process with cancer and are often especially anxious or vulnerable with new health challenges.
“The vast majority of those patients can successfully complete their therapy without interruptions,” said Dr. Azam. “Part of my job is to help reassure them and say ‘I’m not worried about this’ or ‘I am worried about this and here is our plan to deal with it,’” explained Dr. Azam.
Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute has been named a Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence by the International Cardio-Oncology Society. Our cardio-oncology experts never stop looking for new treatment options.
“It’s an honor to help take care of people going through very scary and challenging times and help them successfully navigate through it,” said Dr. Azam.
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