RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The relative new subspecialty 'cardio-oncology' was established to meet the growing demand for an interdisciplinary approach to the management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular adverse events. In recent years, specialised cardio-oncology services have been implemented worldwide, which all strive to improve the cardiovascular health of cancer patients. However, limited data are currently available on the outcomes and experiences of these specialised services, and optimal strategies for cardio-oncological care have not been established. AIM: The ONCOR registry has been created for prospective data collection and evaluation of cardio-oncological care in daily practice. METHODS: Dutch hospitals using a standardised cardio-oncology care pathway are included in this national, multicentre, observational cohort study. All patients visiting these cardio-oncology services are eligible for study inclusion. Data collection at baseline consists of the (planned) cancer treatment and the cardiovascular risk profile, which are used to estimate the cardiotoxic risk. Information regarding invasive and noninvasive tests is collected during the time patients receive cardio-oncological care. Outcome data consist of the incidence of cardiovascular complications and major adverse cardiac events, and the impact of these events on the oncological treatment. DISCUSSION: Outcomes of the ONCOR registry may aid in gaining more insight into the incidence of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular complications. The registry facilitates research on mechanisms of cardiovascular complications and on diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic strategies. In addition, it provides a platform for future (interventional) studies. Centres with cardio-oncology services that are interested in contributing to the ONCOR registry are hereby invited to participate.
RESUMO
Recent advances in the early detection and treatment of cancer have led to increasing numbers of cancer survivors worldwide. Nonetheless, despite major improvements in the outcome of these patients, long-term side effects of radio- and chemotherapy affect both patient survival and quality of life, independent of the oncological prognosis. Chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction is one of the most notorious short-term side effects of anticancer treatment, occurring in ~10% of patients. Progression to overt heart failure carries a strikingly poor prognosis with a 2-year mortality rate of 60%. Early detection of left ventricular damage by periodic monitoring and prompt initiation of heart failure treatment is key in improving cardiovascular prognosis. To meet the growing demand for a specialised interdisciplinary approach for the prevention and management of cardiovascular complications induced by cancer treatment, a new discipline termed cardio-oncology has evolved. However, an uniform, multidisciplinary approach is currently lacking in the Netherlands. This overview provides an introduction and comprehensive summary of this emerging discipline and offers a practical strategy for the outpatient management of this specific patient population.
