Cardio-oncology has organically developed as a new discipline within
cardiovascular medicine as a result of the cardiac and vascular adverse sequelae
of the major advances in cancer treatment. Patients with cancer and cancer
survivors are at increased risk of vascular disease for a number of reasons.
First, many new cancer therapies, including several targeted therapies, are
associated with vascular and metabolic complications. Second, cancer itself
serves as a risk factor for vascular disease, especially by increasing the risk
for thromboembolic events. Finally, recent data suggest that common modifiable
and genetic risk factors predispose to both malignancies and cardiovascular
disease. Vascular complications in patients with cancer represent a new
challenge for the clinician and a new frontier for research and investigation.
Indeed, vascular sequelae of novel targeted therapies may provide insights into
vascular signaling in humans. Clinically, emerging challenges are best addressed
by a multidisciplinary approach in which cardiovascular medicine specialists and
vascular biologists work closely with oncologists in the care of patients with
cancer and cancer survivors. This novel approach realizes the goal of providing
superior care through the creation of cardio-oncology consultative services and
the training of a new generation of cardiovascular specialists with a broad
understanding of cancer treatments.