Argentinean Cardio-Oncology Survey

Abstract

Aim: Multidisciplinary work is crucial with patient management to avoid cardiovascular complications that can put at risk the use of life-saving cancer treatment. We carried out a nationwide survey on behalf of the Cardio-Oncology (CO) committee of the Argentinean Federation of Cardiology (FAC) to analyse the level of knowledge our members have on CO. Methods: A questionnaire was presented to specialists involved in the management of cancer patients, regarding cardiovascular (CV) complications of cancer therapy, types of drugs used,
possibility of referral inside their place of work or of outsourcing to colleagues specialized in the area of expertise. Results: A total of 145 questionnaires from different regions of Argentina were collected and
analysed; the majority of respondents were cardiologists (128). Most claimed to have some contact with cancer patients. However, nearly one third of the professionals referred not knowing how to handle them. The majority of doctors were sufficiently aware of adverse effects such as cancer therapy-associated ventricular dysfunction, followed closely by arrhythmias, and secondary hypertension. In spite of that, they manifested not knowing where to refer patients in case of need. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first survey in Argentina to investigate the awareness on CO care provided to cancer patients. It is an excellent tool to investigate the knowledge gaps in clinical practice. Therefore, the first step of the committee was to develop a CO Introductory course, online, on-demand, free of charge, aimed at cardiologists of the FAC, in an effort to reduce such gap.