Cardio-Oncology Program
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Exceptional care for heart disease in people with cancer
Due to remarkable improvements in cancer care, more people diagnosed with cancer are living longer. Still, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability among patients who have been treated for cancer. Using state-of-the-art approaches, our team can identify cardiac abnormalities related to cancer treatment before symptoms appear.
The goal during cancer care is to ensure cardiovascular health and safety while allowing you to continue cancer treatments. The goal after cancer care is to minimize the long-term impact of heart disease.
Our vision is to eliminate cardiovascular disease as a barrier to effective cancer treatment and to maximize quality of life in cancer patients and survivors.
Our approach to cardio-oncology
A multidisciplinary collaboration and a team-based approach are at the core of our cardio-oncology program. Mass General Brigham has a leading international cancer institute that is completely integrated with a major global cardiac center and aligned with all our other medical and radiological specialties.
The cardio-oncologist, oncologists (medical, radiation, and surgical), hematologists, pharmacists, nurses, and advanced practice providers all play critical roles to ensure a coordinated approach to the overall care of patients with cancer.
Some types of cancer therapy can damage your heart, a serious side effect known as cardiotoxicity.
Before you start cancer treatment, we review your health history and heart disease risk factors to understand your needs. We may recommend medications to protect your heart during treatment or testing to monitor symptoms.
We use a variety of diagnostic tools to assess your risk and catch heart complications (cardiotoxicities) early. Methods we use include:
- Blood tests (biomarkers) to indicate heart dysfunction
- Continuous remote blood pressure and heart rhythm monitoring
- Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography), CT, and MRI to get a clear picture of your heart
- Stress tests to see how your heart responds to physical activity
We provide treatment for people with cancer and heart disease both related and unrelated to their cancer therapy.
Our specialists work with your oncology team to adjust treatment dosages or timing to limit the impact on your heart. We use advanced imaging to monitor your heart and find problems early on. Our goal is to make sure that our oncology colleagues can use the best cancer treatment without concern for heart damage.
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833-642-2863
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Contact the Heart and Vascular Institute
833-642-2863
Call the Heart and Vascular Institute at 833-642-2863
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