The Cardio-Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists who are highly proficient in the care of cancer patients. The program offers adult and pediatric patients specialized care to identify and minimize the risk of heart disease throughout the cancer journey.
What is Cardio-Oncology?
Cardio-oncology is not the practice of treating tumors of the heart, but is a multidisciplinary approach to heart health management for people undergoing all types of cancer treatment. Cardiac care may not be the first thing on a patient’s mind when fighting cancer, however, cancer and cardiovascular issues are closely linked. Preventing and managing heart disease for cancer patients is of the utmost importance, as cardiac health can be greatly impacted by cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Cancer Treatment May Damage the Heart
A number of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy as well as targeted cancer therapies, may damage the heart and lead to cardiovascular toxicity. For instance, some chemotherapy agents can cause congestive heart failure, and other treatment agents can lead to a variety of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythm.
Radiation therapies may also pose a risk to the health of your heart and may lead to late side effects such as premature coronary artery disease, damage to valves in the heart and cardiac rhythm disturbances.
Managing Cardiac Heath for All Cancer Patients
The Cardio-Oncology Program at Rutgers Cancer Institute cares for an array of patient groups including:
- Adult and pediatric cancer survivors not currently under the management of a cardiologist, or who desire additional consultation
- Individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer and treatments have been identified as being potentially harmful to the heart
- Individuals with a preexisting heart condition or have been identified as being at an increased risk for developing heart disease
- Those who have completed cancer treatment and are experiencing cardiac issues or who may need closer surveillance due to prior potentially cardiotoxic treatments.
The Cardio-Oncology Program is currently offered at multiple hospitals within the RWJBarnabas Health system, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Clara Maass Medical Center and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.