Abstract 16419: Assessing the Evidence Base of Cardiology-Specific Oncology Guideline Recommendations: Implications for Health Policy

Abstract

Introduction: Oncology societies have been contributing guidelines/recommendations to the limited yet growing body of literature in cardio-oncology. Research Questions: What are the levels of evidence (LOE) and classes of recommendation (COR) for cardiology-specific recommendations produced by major oncology societies? Methods: We reviewed cardiology-specific recommendations published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Society of Hematology (ASoH), NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network), and European Society of Cardiology (ESC). LOE and COR were noted for each recommendation. Results: The US oncologic societies have made 81 cardiac-specific recommendations (ASCO: 54 (67%); ASoH: 14 (17%); NCCN; 13 (16%) (Tables 1-3). For ASCO, 26 (48%) were COR 1, 23 (43%) COR 2, and 5 (9%) COR 3 supported by LOE A (9%), LOE B (39%), and LOE C (52%). For ASoH, 1(8%) was COR 1, 11(85%) COR 2, and 1(8%) COR 3 supported by LOE B (7%), and LOE C (93%). NCCN made 13 COR 2 recommendations and did not provide LOE classification. The most common recommendations addressed baseline (20%) and serial (24%) assessment, specific imaging modalities (9%), chemotherapy dosing (19%), and radiation therapy (20%). Most recommendations were unique without discrepant statements, but there were some redundancies. ESC produced 271 cardio-oncology recommendations (155 COR 1; 111 COR 2; 5 COR-3) with 3% LOE A, 21% LOE B, and 76% LOE C. The major areas for ESC recommendations included baseline (18%) and serial (33%) assessment, and medications (29%). Conclusions: Oncology and cardiology professional society guidelines have provided 352 cardiac related recommendations in the setting of cancer treatment and 73% have the lowest LOE. In this developing field with a limited evidence base, close collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists will be required to provide a cohesive set of recommendations for the cardiac issues associated with cancer treatment.