Cardio-Oncology

UT Southwestern Medical Center's Cardio-Oncology Program focuses on the complex cardiovascular needs of cancer patients. Before, during, and after cancer treatment, our team helps to shield the cardiovascular system from the unwanted side effects of cancer treatment and, when damage does occur, to treat cancer survivors’ unique cardiac conditions.

With a top-20 nationally ranked cardiology and heart surgery program, and an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, UT Southwestern is uniquely positioned to offer cancer patients access to one of the most advanced cardio-oncology programs in the country.

Specialized Heart Care for Cancer Patients and Survivors

Expertise and collaboration are vital in treating patients who have both heart disease and cancer. Cardiovascular diseases – whether preexisting conditions or those that develop during cancer treatment – can significantly affect a patient’s health and even lead to death.

UT Southwestern’s cardio-oncology team provides experienced, integrated care that is informed by the latest research. We collaborate frequently with specialists from other disciplines. Cardiologists, oncologists, hematologists, surgeons, and specially trained advanced practice providers work together to provide high-quality, coordinated care. Our multidisciplinary approach puts our patients first and helps improve patients’ overall outcomes.

For convenience, patients can schedule one appointment, using one phone number, to see their cardiologist and oncologist as well as have blood work and cardiac tests completed. Patients can also book virtual – telehealth – appointments, an important safety measure for people who are at high risk for infection.

We also offer rehabilitation – a critical component of recovery that can prevent future heart disease – through our Oncology Rehabilitation Program.

Conditions We Treat

We see cancer patients before, during, or after they receive treatment that – while beneficial for treating the cancer – might have a negative impact on the heart.

Cancer treatment can cause heart issues, such as:

• Heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathy, heart valve disorders, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease
• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmia)
• High blood pressure or low blood pressure
• AL amyloidosis, a protein-folding disorder

In cardio-oncology, our goal is to support the effective cancer therapy by preventing damaging effects on the heart.

Cardio-Oncology Diagnosis, Advanced Imaging, and Treatment

Before a patient receives surgical or medical treatment for cancer, our team performs a thorough evaluation to determine the patient’s risk for developing cardiovascular disease and to create a plan to minimize potential complications.

When a patient has a preexisting cardiac condition, we create a plan to treat the condition before the cancer treatment begins. Our aim is to prevent complications and improve the patient’s heart health so the cancer therapy will be as effective as possible.

Diagnosis

To assess heart health before treatment we might perform blood tests to check factors such as cholesterol levels, thyroid hormone levels, inflammatory markers, or cardiac enzyme levels, as well as dedicated cardiovascular imaging protocols.

Advanced Imaging

To monitor patients during treatment, we use dedicated imaging protocols for early detection of cardiac problems.

Our Echocardiography (Echo) Lab is located within Simmons Cancer Center, offering patients the flexibility and convenience of comprehensive care under one roof. An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the heart.

Additional imaging might include:

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Using a combination of radio waves, magnets, and a computer, this procedure evaluates the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiac stress tests: These tests determine the health of the heart, including pumping efficiency.

Treatment

Patients who have heart valve issues are referred to specialists in our cardiothoracic service. Patients with vascular issues such as coronary artery disease are referred to interventional cardiologists. Those who have heart rhythm issues are referred to our electrophysiologists.

After treatment, we monitor patients for potential heart complications with appropriate blood tests and imaging studies.