ICOS Releases Guidelines to Address Educational Gaps in Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction

The International Cardio-Oncology Society has announced a new consensus statement to help hematology and oncology providers consistently apply cardio-oncology guidelines for mitigating cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction. This release follows research highlighting significant educational and management gaps among healthcare providers treating cardiovascular adverse events from cancer therapies.

A survey conducted by the ICOS Pharmacy Workgroup revealed substantial knowledge gaps in managing these complex conditions. The survey of 220 healthcare providers found that topics including immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis, immune modulator-associated thrombosis, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor-associated bleeding, and atrial fibrillation showed the highest educational needs.

Survey respondents included 46% pharmacists and 54% other healthcare providers, with over 80% being physicians. The majority practiced in North America (59%) and Europe (20%), and were primarily based at academic medical centers (65%). Respondents predominantly specialized in cardiology (71%), followed by oncology (24%) and hematology (14%).

The research comes as cardio-oncology emerges as a recognized interdisciplinary field, with the first comprehensive guidelines specific to cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicities published by the European Society of Cardiology in 2022. Before these guidelines, medical organizations typically focused on specific populations or types of cancer or cardiac toxicity.

The consensus statement aims to provide practical tools for providers managing patients with these conditions. The guidelines were developed by a multi-disciplinary team including cardiologists, oncologists, hematologists, and pharmacists.