Cardio-Oncology Services in Central Pa.

Cancer care and treatment have greatly evolved over the past decades. Thanks to steadfast investigation teams, people with cancer are surviving and thriving.Detailed research has also found a link between certain cancer drugs and heart damage, including chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.

What Is the UPMC Center for Cardio-Oncology?

The center:

• Is a joint effort between the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.
• Was among the first of its kind in Pittsburgh and is extending the same clinical expertise to Harrisburg.
• Brings together the unique skills of both UPMC cancer and heart disease experts.
• Provides complete care for current cancer patients and survivors.
• Works to prevent, detect, and treat heart and blood vessel problems caused by cancer treatment.

Goals of the UPMC Center for Cardio-Oncology

Our goals are to:

• Offer a team approach to heart, vascular, and cancer care.
• Provide a streamlined path for you to make timely appointments, get cardiac testing, and receive thorough heart care.
• Offer a heart disease risk assessment before you start cancer treatment.
• Assess, detect, and treat the adverse effects of cancer drugs on heart health.
• Improve cancer- and heart-related patient outcomes.
• Further discern the complex effects of cancer treatments on the heart and blood vessels to create best care practices.

Unique Treatment Approaches for Heart Problems and Cancer

The UPMC Center for Cardio-Oncology works to prevent and treat certain cancer drugs’  adverse heart and vascular effects.
By having experts in heart disease and cancer, our team offers a unique treatment approach that includes:

• Assessing the risks of heart disease based on cancer type and treatment, family history, and other patient-specific factors.
• Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including:
  • Rapid MRI with superb image quality without using radiation.
  • Nuclear stress tests and PYP scans for cardiac amyloidosis.
  • Heart MRI and 2- and 3-D echocardiography (echo), including myocardial strain assessment. A heart echo lets us track changes or effects of cancer treatment on heart function. They also help us predict who may be at a higher risk of heart problems.
• Working with cancer doctors to design treatment plans that lower the risk of heart disease while effectively treating cancer.

Our Heart Disease and Cancer Experts

UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute

• Todd Bokelman, MD.
• Sunil Kanwal, MD, program lead.
• Atitzazul Mansoor, MD.
• Timothy Walsh, MD.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

• Theresa Lee, MD, program lead.

Is Cardio-Oncology Right for Me?

Ask your doctor if a referral to the UPMC Center for Cardio-Oncology is right for you. Please have your physician contact us to schedule your appointment at 717-920-4592.