An International Survey of Health Care Providers Involved in the Management of Cancer Patients Exposed to Cardiotoxic Therapy.

Cardiotoxicity is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors. The objective of this international cardiac oncology survey was to gain a better understanding of current knowledge and practice patterns among HCPs involved in the management of cancer patients exposed to potentially cardiotoxic drugs. Between 2012 and 2013, we conducted an email-based survey of HCPs involved in the management of cardiac disease in cancer patients. 393 survey responses were received, of which 77 were from Canadian respondents. The majority of respondents were cardiologists (47%), followed closely by medical oncologists. The majority of respondents agreed that cardiac issues are important to cancer patients (97%). However, only 36% of total respondents agreed with an accepted definition of cardiotoxicity. While 78% of respondents felt that cardiac medications are protective during active cancer treatment, only 51% would consider prescribing these medications up-front in cancer patients. Although results confirm a high level of concern for cardiac safety, there continues to be a lack of consensus on the definition of cardiotoxicity and a discrepancy in clinical practice between cardiologists and oncologists. These differences in opinion require resolution through more effective research collaboration and formulation of evidence-based guidelines.

Acute cardiogenic shock induced by infusional 5-Fluorouracil.

A 49-year-old patient with metastatic carcinoma of the bladder and no prior history of heart disease presented with diffuse ST elevation, elevated troponins, and biventricular dysfunction requiring intensive care unit admission and inotropic support after receiving her first course of infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Over the course of several days, the patient's cardiac function and clinical status returned to baseline. A follow-up echocardiogram performed 5 days after initial presentation revealed an ejection fraction of 59 percent, with no evidence of wall motion abnormalities. Subsequent 5-FU chemotherapy was discontinued, and the patient went on to receive second-line chemotherapy.