Current functioning of cardio-oncology units in Spain

Clin Transl Oncol. 2020 Aug;22(8):1418-1422. doi: 10.1007/s12094-019-02250-4. Epub 2019 Dec 20.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the current survey was to describe the functioning of cardio-oncology (C-O) units in Spain.

Methods: All members of the Spanish Society of Cardiology pertaining to scientific communities related to C-O received questionnaires on the existence of specific programs at their institutions. A second, more extensive questionnaire was sent to the centers which reported C-O organization.

Results: We identified 56 centers with C-O programs of which 32 (62.5%) replied to the extended questionnaire. 28% of all centers reported having a multidisciplinary unit involving specialists in several areas. More than 80% of the centers developed surveillance protocols locally adapted which included advanced echocardiographic techniques (68%) or troponin (82%).

Conclusions: The number of institutions with C-O programs is still limited but higher than reported in a survey in 2017. Development of multidisciplinary units of C-O should be promoted to improve the cardiovascular health of cancer patients.

Keywords: Cardio-oncology; Cardiotoxicity; Multidisciplinary units.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Cancer Care Facilities / organization & administration*
  • Cancer Care Facilities / statistics & numerical data
  • Cardiology Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Cardiology Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Care Surveys / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology / organization & administration*
  • Medical Oncology / statistics & numerical data
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Program Development
  • Spain