Understanding cardio-oncology and potential impacts on patients

Cardio-oncology is a new multidisciplinary field that involves the management of cardiovascular side effects in patients receiving anti-cancer therapies . Recent advances in clinical oncology resulted in an increased number of anti-cancer drugs that have a direct effect on the heart. Early diagnosis, prevention, risk stratification, early treatment and serial monitoring are the major principles of cardio-oncology. Although some patients experience cardiotoxicity secondary to anti-cancer treatment, the rest complete their treatment without any alteration in cardiac functions. Risk factors may have an effect on developing cardiotoxicity in patients receiving cardiotoxic anti-cancer drugs. Optimal management of cardio-oncology patients should be based on inter-professional collaboration. • To provide an overview of cardio-oncology and the role of the pharmacists to provide proactive care • To introduce the importance of real-world evidence and the possible impact of different risk factors in developing cardiotoxicity. • To showcase the risk of cardiotoxicity in people with lung and breast cancer