The success of modern cancer treatments has resulted in
many more people surviving either free of cancer, or with stable,
non-progressive disease. This increase in survival, however, has resulted in an
increase in the cardiac side effects of modern cancer treatments, including
chemotherapy, targeted molecular therapies and, in some cases, radiotherapy.
Specialist clinic
Dr Alexander Lyon has set up a specialist clinic at the
Royal Brompton Hospital Private Patients Centre , one of the only of its kind
in the United Kingdom. This clinic aims to care for people who are
either living with or have survived cancer, and have heart problems which may
be related to the cancer treatment.
The service is particularly aimed at identifying early
signs of cardiotoxicity and intervening to allow cancer treatment to continue
without causing cardiac complications. It also offers care for individuals with
new or established cardiac problems resulting from their cancer or treatment.
Heart risk assessment
The service can also offer a risk assessment service in
newly diagnosed cancer patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions or
concerns to ensure they are as fit as possible for their cancer treatment, whether surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
The aim is to generate a personalised assessment and
treatment where appropriate, to allow patients to benefit from a healthy heart
after surviving their cancer.
Private treatment news: 31 July 2012
