Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the #1 and #2 causes of death in the United States. Both conditions involve many variables and their study is constant and diffuse. Cardio-oncology is a nascent field that focuses on preventing adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with active cancer; and improving the overall cardiovascular health of cancer survivors. This involves a specific understanding of interactions between cancer and the cardiovascular system; as well as intrinsic knowledge of cancer therapeutic agents including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer targeted therapies which include immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and Car-T cell therapy. Furthermore, recent developments in the medical management of cardiac disease (such as SGLT-2 inhibitors and ivabradine) present new therapeutic options for affected cancer patients and survivors. With such rapid change, clinicians often find it difficult to remain up-to-date with the best means of identifying and treating patients. The purpose of this program is to familiarize primary care providers, hospitalists, oncologists, cardiologists, advanced practice providers, pharmacists and trainees with the updated treatment of cardiac conditions seen in cancer patients and survivors.

This activity has been planned for Primary Care Providers, Hospitalists, Oncologists, Cardiologists, Advanced Practice Providers, Pharmacists, Nurses and Trainees interested in learning about the field of Cardio-Oncology.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

1. Define the risks of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction for patients who have undergone therapy for cancer.

2. Provide some knowledge of cardiovascular effects of newer cancer therapies; as well as the potential use of newer cardiac drugs for the management of cardiovascular complications associated with cancer therapy.

3. Implement strategies for early detection, correction of cardiac risk factors and close, as well as long-term cardiovascular monitoring in order to reduce the effects of cardiotoxicity (including arrhythmias, heart failure, severe hypertension, valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, and autonomic dysfunction) for patients who are at risk for cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction.

4. Assess appropriate and effective treatment strategies and referrals for patients who have (or are at risk for) long-term toxicity-related cardiac dysfunction, including heart failure, valvular dysfunction, hypertension, and autonomic dysfunction.