Many cancer patients receive life-saving treatment through chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As cancer therapies and survival rates improve, Sanjeev Francis, MD, director of the Cardio-Oncology Program, and his colleagues, Tomas Neilan, MD, and Marielle Scherrer-Crosbie, MD, PhD, are conducting research to ensure that these patients remain healthy by managing the cardiac illnesses that can result from cancer treatment.
The Cardio-Oncology Program, a joint initiative between Mass General’s Corrigan-Minehan Heart Center and the Mass General Cancer Center, focuses on the intersection between cancer and cardiovascular disease. The program specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease related to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They also manage pre-existing heart conditions in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Close collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists ensures that patients receive more focused care. With prompt recognition and treatment of cardiac symptoms that manifest during or following chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the team can properly address these issues.
The Cardio-Oncology Program is a remarkable example of the multidisciplinary and collaborative care that is a hallmark of Mass General, bringing the best possible care to patients across the institution.
