Key result
Dedicated cardio-oncology service linked to cardiotoxicity-related cancer therapy interruptions in just ~0.06% of patients.
Why the study?
Advances in cancer therapy have increased the risk of treatment-related cardiotoxicity, prompting the establishment of a dedicated cardio-oncology service in Qatar to address its prevention, early detection, and multidisciplinary management.
Observational (n=4,197)
Yes
Implementation of a structured cardio-oncology service with early cardiac surveillance can effectively minimize cancer therapy interruptions.
Allows continuation of cancer therapy despite CV events; confirms value of dedicated multidisciplinary cardio-oncology services.
Background: cardiovascular disease and cancer are two leading causes of mortality worldwide. Advances in cancer therapy have improved survival but increased the risk of treatment-related cardiotoxicity. In response, the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) and Heart Hospital (HH) established a dedicated strategic plan for the development of cardio-oncology service in 2015 to address the prevention, early detection, and management of cardiotoxicity through a multidisciplinary approach in Qatar. Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the development and implementation of the cardio-oncology service at NCCCR and HH. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted. Quantitative data were extracted from the electronic health records for all patients seen in the Cardio-Oncology Clinic during two key phases of service delivery: HH (January 2019 to August 2020) and NCCCR (September 2020 to July 2023). Descriptive qualitative data were obtained from informal staff feedback and clinical observations. Results: Between 2019 and 2023, 4197 patients attended the cardio-oncology clinics (1524 at HH and 2673 at NCCCR), with 77%–82% being noncitizens. Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (48%), reflecting its high prevalence and cardiotoxic treatment profile. A total of 5289 echocardiographic studies were performed. In 2023, 494 cardiovascular events were recorded, but therapy was held in three cases (0.06%) due to significant cardiotoxicity. Service expansion included the introduction of a clinical nurse specialist-led clinic and a dedicated echocardiography unit. Conclusion: cardio-oncology program demonstrates that early, structured cardiac surveillance within a multidisciplinary framework can effectively minimize therapy interruptions and optimize cancer patient outcomes.
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AlBulushi et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Cancer (n=4,197). Cardio-oncology service (multidisciplinary cardiac surveillance) was evaluated. Implementation of a dedicated cardio-oncology service for 4,197 patients recorded 494 cardiovascular events in 2023, with cancer therapy held in only 3 cases (0.06%) due to cardiotoxicity.
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