Clinical problems related to cardiovascular health of cancer patients are the main focus of the 3rd Cardio-Oncology Symposium, which began sessions Thursday at TRYP Habana Libre hotel in the Cuban capital.

The event, running through Saturday, is being attended by cardiologists, oncologists, cardio-thoracic surgeons, hematologists, pediatricians, geriatricians, family doctors, anesthetists, internists and intensivists, among other health professionals.

Dr. Manuel Bazan, President of the Organizing Committee said that topics for discussion include Cardio-Oncology, New Oncology Therapies, Approach to coronary heart disease and valves in cancer patients, Cardiac tumors, Regenerative Medicine and Heart Failure in Oncology.

Other issues under discussion include also studies on cardiac transplantation, ventricular assist systems, biomarkers in cardio-oncology, diagnostic imaging, radiotherapy, immunotherapy in oncology, palliative treatment in cancer-cardiac patients, rehabilitation and emergency, surgical oncology and oncology research.

The meeting’s agenda also includes keynote lectures by renowned experts from Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, United States and Cuba.

In recent years, the monitoring of cancer patients has experienced important changes. Progress in the diagnosis and early treatment of the disease has allowed for increasing overall survival of patients, but the use of anti-tumor agents causes irreparable damage to the cardiovascular system.

Cancer treatment is associated with an increased incidence of heart failure, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmia, thrombotic events and peripheral vascular disease.