Cardio-oncology and Cancer Rehabilitation: Is an Integrated Approach Possible?

Abstract

With significant improvements in the understanding of cancer biology, improved detection, and the use of novel adjuvant therapies, each year more Canadians are surviving a cancer diagnosis. Despite their effectiveness these therapies often result in short- and long-term deleterious effects to major organ systems, particularly cardiovascular. Cardio-oncology is an emerging field of study with the aim to improve cardiovascular health across the oncology disease spectrum. International guidelines distinguish "cardio-oncology" rehabilitation from "cancer" rehabilitation, but how this is navigated is currently unknown. How such care should be assessed and integrated acutely or in the longer term remains unknown. Accordingly, the aim of this article is to consider the cancer patient's needs beyond the scope of cardio-oncology rehabilitation to holistically integrate cancer rehabilitation across the disease trajectory.