The Cardio-Oncology Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital helps patients manage heart-related side effects from cancer treatments as well as pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The program provides comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation before cancer therapy or surgery begins, ensuring that each patient’s heart health is carefully assessed and monitored throughout treatment.
The program was established in response to the recognition that certain cancer therapies—such as anthracyclines and trastuzumab (Herceptin) for breast cancer—can have unintended effects on the heart. In addition, many other treatments, including chemotherapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy agents, may also contribute to cardiovascular complications.
A key challenge in identifying these side effects is that symptoms—such as fatigue or shortness of breath—can overlap with common effects of cancer treatment, and some patients may initially have no symptoms at all. When pre-existing cardiac dysfunction is identified, our experienced providers work closely with patients and oncology teams to optimize treatment strategies, establish a clear cardiovascular baseline, and guide ongoing monitoring. If cardiotoxicity develops, a collaborative approach between the oncologist, the patient, and the Cardio-Oncology Program ensures that care decisions are individualized and balanced between cancer treatment efficacy and heart health.
Providing patients with clear, comprehensive information about their treatment plan and potential risks is central to our mission. The goal of the Cardio-Oncology Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital is to deliver specialized care that not only addresses the cardiovascular effects of cancer therapy, but also supports patients with co-existing heart disease who may require tailored treatment approaches due to increased cardiac risk. As cancer therapies continue to advance and patients live longer, maintaining heart health is essential to long-term quality of life.
Clonal hematopoiesis is approximately two-fold more common in cancer patients and has been independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and immunotherapy-related myocarditis. Our program also offers specialized expertise through an interdisciplinary CHIP clinic, where cardiology (Dr. Jennifer Kwan) and hematology (Dr. Lourdes Mendez) collaborate to evaluate risk and guide management for patients with clonal hematopoiesis.
PLEASE CALL (203) 785-7867 FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO REFER A PATIENT, OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.