Maximizing Cardiac Function in Patients With Breast Cancer

Clinical Pearls

Hyman B. Muss, MD, professor of oncology, University of North Carolina, director, Geriatric Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses maximizing cardiac function in patients with breast cancer.

• Oncologists are aware of cardiac toxicity from experience with anthracyclines
• Anti-HER2 therapies present new issues related to cardiac toxicity
• There has been research conducted involving the use of preventative beta blockers and ACE inhibitors in patients who have a high risk of cardiac disease
• Oncologists need to be cognizant of cardiac toxicity and work proactively