APSAA 亞太永續行動獎(Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards )-Sustainability Action Award SDG3:Bronze
TAIPEI MEDICAL University HOSPITAL
Advancing Equity in Cardio-Oncology with a Sustainable Integrated Care Model
Advances in cancer therapy have improved survival, but cardiotoxicity remains a major concern. Drugs like anthracyclines and trastuzumab can cause heart failure and arrhythmias, while thoracic radiation may lead to coronary artery disease, pericarditis, and valve damage. Newer agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, have been linked to myocarditis and hypertension.
A comprehensive cardiac risk assessment—including echocardiography, ECG, and biomarkers—is recommended before starting cancer treatment. Patients who are older, have pre-existing heart disease, or face multiple cardiotoxic exposures are at higher risk.
Ongoing cardiac monitoring during therapy is crucial. When appropriate, cardioprotective medications like beta-blockers or RAS inhibitors may help reduce risk. Close collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is essential to ensure safe, effective care. As the field of cardio-oncology evolves, it offers promising strategies to protect heart health and improve long-term outcomes for cancer patients.