ESC Highlights Growing Cardio-Oncology Crisis and Announces New Conference to Address Critical Challenges

ESC Highlights Growing Cardio-Oncology Crisis and Announces New Conference to Address Critical Challenges

(IN BRIEF) The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has raised concerns over the growing incidence of cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD), warning of a potential cardio-oncology “epidemic” due to increasing cancer survival rates and aging populations. To address this, the ESC will host its first Cardio-Oncology conference in Florence, Italy, on June 20–21, 2025, bringing together global experts to improve outcomes for patients affected by cancer and its cardiovascular side effects. ESC’s Cardio-Oncology Council, established in 2018, has developed guidelines for prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiac toxicities and is advancing research through initiatives like the EU-funded RESILIENCE Trial. Experts emphasize the importance of cardiology-oncology collaboration to ensure safe and effective cancer treatment while mitigating cardiovascular risks.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS, 14-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has spotlighted the escalating challenge of cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular disease (CVD), emphasizing the urgent need for early integration of heart health considerations into cancer treatment plans. With approximately one-third of cancer patients experiencing cardiovascular toxicity and the global population of cancer survivors increasing, ESC experts warn of a potential cardio-oncology “epidemic.”

To confront this growing issue, the ESC will host its inaugural Cardio-Oncology conference on June 20–21, 2025, in Florence, Italy. The event will bring together global experts to address the intersection of cancer treatments—such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation—and their cardiovascular side effects. The conference underscores the ESC’s commitment to improving patient outcomes by fostering collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.

Dr. Teresa López-Fernandez of University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, co-chair of the ESC Cardio-Oncology Guidelines Task Force, explained that cardio-oncology aims to minimize cardiovascular complications while ensuring cancer patients receive uninterrupted treatment. Dr. Alexander Lyon of Royal Brompton Hospital, London, added that the growing number of older cancer patients requiring chronic therapy amplifies the urgency of this emerging specialty.

The ESC established its Council of Cardio-Oncology in 2018 to promote prevention, early diagnosis, and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). Today, the Council comprises over 2,000 members worldwide and has published groundbreaking clinical practice guidelines, offering tools for assessing risk, implementing preventive strategies, and managing cardiac toxicities while preserving cancer care continuity.

Notable advancements include the ongoing EU-funded RESILIENCE Trial, which explores innovative approaches to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. A dedicated session on the trial will be featured at ESC Cardio-Oncology 2025, reflecting the Council’s commitment to advancing research and collaboration in this critical field.

Dr. López-Fernandez emphasized that the teamwork between cardiologists and oncologists creates effective “shields” to protect patients’ hearts, ensuring better long-term outcomes for cancer survivors. Dr. Lyon concluded, “As cardio-oncology grows, so does our responsibility to provide a global platform for experts to share knowledge and deliver solutions to improve the lives of this vulnerable patient group.”

About the European Society of Cardiology

The European Society of Cardiology brings together health care professionals from more than 150 countries, working to advance cardiovascular medicine and help people lead longer, healthier lives.

About the ESC Council of Oncology

The ESC Council of Oncology is a multidisciplinary constituent body which encourages the prevention, early diagnosis and management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular diseases.

Information for journalists about registration for ESC Cardio-Oncology 2025

ESC Cardio-Oncology 2025 will take place in Florence, Italy, from Friday, 20 June – Saturday, 21 June 2025. Explore the latest (not yet final) scientific programme.
•    Free registration applies to accredited press.
•    For accreditation you need a valid press card or appropriate letter of assignment with proof of three recent published articles. Read also the ESC media and embargo policy.
•    The ESC Press Office will verify the documents and confirm by email that your press accreditation is valid.

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SOURCE: European Society of Cardiology (ESC)