A critical gap in evidence persists in paediatric cardio-oncology, leading to significant variability in clinical practice and the underdiagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors in cancer survivors.
This review highlights the critical evidence gap in pediatric cardio-oncology and calls for international collaborative research to improve cardiovascular outcomes in childhood cancer survivors.
Improved survival rates for paediatric cancer patients represent a major medical achievement, but they have simultaneously brought the long-term sequelae of oncological treatments into sharp focus. Cardiotoxicity stands out as one of the most serious complications, being the leading cause of non-relapse-related morbidity and mortality among childhood cancer survivors. This comprehensive review analyses the current landscape, highlighting the significant gap in evidence that hinders optimal care. This paper constitutes a comprehensive narrative and scoping review based on a critical analysis of current clinical guidelines, landmark studies, and consensus papers in paediatric cardio-oncology. Crucially, it assesses the heterogeneity and limitations of existing evidence regarding standardized surveillance protocols, primary prevention strategies, and acute/late-onset cardiovascular complication management. The review then identifies and critically discusses key areas for future research and clinical development. A critical gap in evidence persists in paediatric cardio-oncology, leading to significant variability in clinical practice and the underdiagnosis/undertreatment of cardiovascular risk factors in this vulnerable population. To bridge this gap, there is an urgent need for international collaborative research. The overarching goal is to transform paediatric cardio-oncology into a predictive and preventive speciality, ensuring that all childhood cancer survivors achieve not only extended life expectancy but also improved cardiovascular quality of life.
Correra et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors. A critical gap in evidence persists in paediatric cardio-oncology, leading to significant variability in clinical practice and the underdiagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors in cancer survivors.