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Cardio-Oncology and Cardiotoxicity Management

Prevention, monitoring and treatment of cardiac side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cardio-Oncology and Cardiotoxicity Management?

Cardio-oncology is a multidisciplinary field focused on preventing, detecting early and treating cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapy — cardiomyopathy, heart failure, coronary disease, arrhythmia, pericarditis, hypertension and thrombosis.

Anthracycline-based chemotherapy causes dose-dependent cardiotoxicity; HER2-targeted agents (trastuzumab) can produce reversible left ventricular dysfunction. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may cause QT prolongation, hypertension and vascular events. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can rarely cause fulminant myocarditis.

Management includes baseline cardiac evaluation, risk stratification, strategic monitoring (EF, global longitudinal strain, troponin, NT-proBNP), cardioprotective therapy (ACEI/ARB, beta-blocker, dexrazoxane) and shared decision-making with oncologists.

Symptoms

Exertional dyspnea
Orthopnea
Palpitations
New edema
Chest pain
Syncope
Fever and myalgia in myocarditis

Risk Factors

Cumulative anthracycline dose
Chest radiotherapy
HER2-targeted agents
Pre-existing cardiovascular disease
Advanced age
Diabetes, hypertension
TKI or immune checkpoint inhibitor use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New dyspnea
  • Palpitations or syncope
  • Persistent chest pain
  • Severe fatigue
  • Sudden edema
  • Fever during cancer therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Baseline cardiac evaluation
02
Strain imaging and biomarkers
03
ACEI/ARB, beta-blocker, MRA
04
SGLT2 inhibitors
05
Dexrazoxane for anthracycline protection
06
Follow-up in a cardio-oncology center
07
Multidisciplinary oncology-cardiology team

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kardiyoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.