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Review
. 2020 Oct;7(5):2175-2183.
doi: 10.1002/ehf2.12838. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Cardio-oncology discipline: focus on the necessities in developing countries

Azin Alizadehasl  1 , Ahmad Amin  2 , Majid Maleki  3 , Feridoun Noohi  4 , Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh  5 , Melody Farrashi  3
Affiliations
Review

Cardio-oncology discipline: focus on the necessities in developing countries

Azin Alizadehasl et al. ESC Heart Fail. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases constitute one of the main aetiologies of mortality among patients with cancer. Population ageing and cancer survival rate improvements have resulted in the coexistence of cardiovascular diseases and malignancies in an increasing number of patients. With the diversity in treatments and the introduction of new drug lines, multiple mechanisms of cardiovascular injury have been recognized in these patients. Cardio-oncology is an emerging entity introduced to provide a proper solution to the several challenges encountered in the management of patients with cancer and cardiac involvement. This review will assess the logical grounds for establishing a cardio-oncology unit, describe the main objectives and the detailed responsibilities in such systems, and outline the target population. Furthermore, the importance of research and appropriate data collection will be highlighted. Lastly, the special considerations and modifications required for setting up such centres in the developing countries are discussed.

Keywords: Cardio-oncology; Developing countries.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors Azin Alizadehasl, Ahmad Amin, Majid Maleki, Feridoun Noohi, Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh, and Melody Farrashi declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overview of the design and function of a cardio‐oncology unit. After first‐level evaluations, patients in need of further workup are referred to the cardio‐oncology unit, where risk stratification based on imaging and laboratory data is performed and individualized treatments and monitoring programs of each patient are planned. CMR, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; LAB, laboratory.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Objectives of the COU during the stages of cancer management. Detailed objectives of a COU, before, during, and after cancer treatment are illustrated. COU, cardio‐oncology unit.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Cardio‐oncology team members. Team members consist of two groups: core members including the team leader, who should be invariably engaged in each patient's management process; and contributory members from various specialties, who are consulted on a case‐based basis and as needed.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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