cardio-oncology
Subspecialty field addressing cardiovascular complications of cancer and cancer therapies, including prevention, monitoring, and treatment strategies.
Full Definition
An emerging interdisciplinary field that focuses on the cardiovascular effects of cancer itself and cancer treatments, including traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Cardio-oncology encompasses the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and management of therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmias, vascular complications, and hypertension. This field has gained prominence as cancer survival rates have improved, revealing delayed cardiovascular effects that may not manifest until years after treatment. Research in cardio-oncology includes developing risk stratification tools, protective strategies, and surveillance protocols for cancer patients.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenated form preferred; emerging field requiring interdisciplinary expertise.
In Context
- "The cardio-oncology program provided surveillance echocardiograms for all patients receiving trastuzumab therapy." — Clinical program description
- "Cardio-oncology research has identified novel biomarkers for early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy." — Research review article