Elizabeth Carter
Susanne Sanstra, BSN, RN, CHFN
Kara Becker, BSN, RN
Madison Munger, MA
Nichole SoepardiOur mission is to provide comprehensive and personalized care to patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease, ensuring that their heart health is prioritized throughout their cancer journey. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support, we strive to empower our patients to navigate their cancer journey with confidence and resilience.
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are two of the leading causes of death worldwide. While advances in cancer treatment have improved survival rates, many therapies can have adverse effects on the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease.
Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are particularly vulnerable to the cardiotoxic effects of cancer treatment, making comprehensive management of both conditions essential for optimal outcomes and quality of life.
Cardio-oncology is an emerging field that bridges the gap between oncology and cardiology, providing specialized care to patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease. By integrating expertise from both disciplines, the cardio-oncology team aims to minimize the risk of cardiac complications while ensuring effective and safe cancer treatment.
Denver’s Channel 7 does story on Littleton woman raises awareness about heart damage connected to cancer treatments. Watch here
CBS Channel 4 in Denver interviews Dr. Manshad on the dangers of certain cancer medications and how they can affect the heart. In this interview, Dr. Manshad discusses how South Denver Cardiology’s Cardio-Oncology Clinic can help prevent or reduce the potential heart damage from these medications.
WatchMany cancer treatments can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, known as cardiotoxicity. Some notable examples include:
• Anthracyclines (used for breast cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, and gastrointestinal cancers) can cause heart failure and cardiac toxicity.
• Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and other anti-HER2 therapies for breast cancer can lead to heart failure.
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (used for various cancers) may increase the risk of heart failure and hypertension.
• Bruton kinase inhibitors (e.g., ibrutinib, acalabrutinib) can increase the risk of arrhythmias.
• 5-FU and capecitabine may increase the risk of coronary spasms and heart attacks.
• Radiation therapy to the chest area can increase the risk of valvular heart disease, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and pericardial disease.
• Immunotherapies and CAR T-cell therapies can cause myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and cytokine release syndrome, leading to cardiovascular complications.
• Stem cell transplantation and associated immunosuppressive therapies can have long-term consequences on the heart.
• Comprehensive evaluation including medical history review, physical examination, and cardiac testing such as echocardiography, EKG, and stress tests.
• Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and lipid levels.
• Personalized treatment plans in collaboration with oncologists, considering cancer type, stage, and cardiac risk profile.
• Specialized management of cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
• Optimization of medications to ensure compatibility with cancer treatment.
• Close coordination with oncologists to minimize the risk of adverse interactions between cancer therapies and cardiovascular medications.
• Regular monitoring of heart function during cancer treatment using techniques such as advanced cardiac imaging and biomarker testing.
• Prompt identification and management of cardiac side effects such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and pericardial disease.
• Initiating cardioprotective medications early to minimize cardiovascular complications.
• Adjustment of cancer treatment regimens as needed to mitigate cardiac risk while maintaining effective cancer therapy.
• Echocardiography (transthoracic, transesophageal, strain imaging)
• Cardiac MRI and CT for structural and functional assessment
• Nuclear cardiology (stress testing, Cardiac PYP for cardiac amyloid detection)
• Specialized care for treatment-related cardiac conditions
• Management of heart failure, arrhythmias, and ischemic heart disease
• Coordination with oncology team for treatment modifications
• Ongoing surveillance for late-onset cardiovascular complications following completion of cancer treatment.
• Evaluation of lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, and smoking cessation to promote long-term heart health.
• Implementation of preventive strategies such as aspirin therapy and statin medications when indicated based on individual risk assessments.
• Comprehensive educational resources (print, digital, multimedia)
• Personalized one-on-one counseling and guidance
• Community outreach initiatives and preventive education campaigns
Certain chemotherapy agents and radiation therapy can cause cardiotoxicity, leading to conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and valve disorders. Review the “Cardiotoxicity of Cancer Treatment” section for further details.
a. Follow a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
b. Engage in regular moderate exercise as tolerated.
c. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure.
Notify your healthcare team immediately. Prompt evaluation and management of cardiac symptoms are essential to prevent complications.
Typically, before treatment, during each cycle, and periodically after completion, but frequency varies depending on treatment regimen and individual risk factors. Your care team will establish a personalized monitoring schedule.
Some cancer treatments may increase the risk of developing heart failure, coronary disease, and valve disorders later in life. Regular follow-up and lifestyle modifications can help mitigate these risks.
Referral Process
Patients can be referred to our cardio-oncology clinic by their oncologists, cardiologists, primary care physicians or self-referred. We accept referrals for:
• Personalized Risk Assessment for Cancer Patients:
Cancer patients concerned about potential cardiovascular risks associated with their cancer treatment can benefit from a personalized risk assessment at our clinic.
• Complex Cardiovascular Cases in Cancer Patients:
Cancer patients with complex cardiovascular issues, such as uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, or a history of heart attacks, who require specialized management during cancer therapy may be appropriate candidates for referral to our clinic.
• Monitoring and Management of Cardiac Complications:
Cancer patients undergoing treatments known to have cardiac side effects, such as certain chemotherapy agents or radiation therapy to the chest, should be monitored closely for the development of cardiac complications.
• Survivorship Care for Cancer Patients:
Cancer survivors interested in long-term surveillance for late onset cardiovascular complications following completion of cancer treatment can benefit from ongoing care at our clinic.
Contact Us
To refer a patient, please contact our clinic at (303) 703-2042
Visit our website: Make an Appointment
Appointment Scheduling (Office appointments):
303-744-1065 (option 2)
Email: cardioonc@southdenver.com
For referrals:
Fax: 303-703-2118
Efax: 3037032118@directfax.net
Locations:
South Denver Heart Center
1000 SouthPark Dr.
Littleton, CO 80120
Parker Office
9399 Crown Crest Blvd., Ste 200
Parker, CO 80138
Ahmad Manshad, M.D.
Andrew Prouse, MD