Abstract
Introduction: Cardiotoxicity secondary to cancer therapy can lead to alterations or discontinuation of therapy regimens and potentially impact patient outcomes. We examined overall cardiovascular and oncology treatment outcomes among cancer patients in an urban center with an established cardio-oncology department. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that in adult cancer patients receiving cardiotoxic treatments, the rates of occurrences of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and the rates of emergency room (ER) visits due to cardiovascular (CV) complications would differ when managed by a cardio-oncologist compared with a general cardiologist. Method: We performed a retrospective chart review of 127 patients managed by a general cardiologist and 254 patients managed by a cardio-oncologist for MACE, CV-related ER visits and oncology treatment modifications. Inclusion criteria included ≥18 years of age, a diagnosis of breast cancer (36.48%, 139 of 381), lung cancer (23.1%, 88 of 381), multiple myeloma (13.65%, 52 of 381) or lymphoma (26.77%, 102 of 381); and history of treatment with a known cardiotoxic agent or chest radiation therapy. A two-tailed chi-square analysis was used to compare differences. Welch’s T test analysis was used to compare the rate of ER visits. Result: There was significantly higher MACE among patients managed by a general cardiologist (46.46%, 59 of 127) compared with a cardio-oncologist (22.83%, 58 of 254). The rate of ER visits due to cardiovascular complications was significantly lower among those managed by a cardio-oncologist (21.26%, 54 of 254) compared with a general cardiologist (59.84%, 76 of 127). Less patients had treatment modifications, delays and discontinuations in patients managed by a cardio-oncologist (with p<0.01 for all). Conclusion: We found lower occurrences of MACE and CV-related ER visits in patients on cardiotoxic cancer therapy managed by a cardio-oncologist compared with a general cardiologist.
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