Cardio-oncology
Subspecialty focused on cardiovascular complications of cancer treatment and management of cardiac disease in cancer patients.
Full Definition
Cardio-oncology is a rapidly evolving subspecialty that addresses the intersection of cardiovascular disease and cancer care. This field encompasses the prevention, detection, and management of cardiovascular complications arising from cancer therapies, including chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, radiation-induced heart disease, and vascular toxicity from targeted therapies. Cardio-oncology also involves optimizing cardiovascular health before, during, and after cancer treatment to ensure patients can receive life-saving oncologic therapies while minimizing cardiac morbidity and mortality.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as cardio-oncology; onco-cardiology is an acceptable alternative but less commonly used in formal documentation.
In Context
- "The cardio-oncology team recommended baseline echocardiography before initiating anthracycline therapy." — Multidisciplinary team meeting notes
- "Cardio-oncology consultation was requested for preoperative cardiac risk assessment in this patient with known CAD scheduled for lung resection." — Consultation request