The field of cancer care has evolved over the past 20 years with the development of more aggressive cancer screening programs, improvement in diagnostic testing and more effective treatment options, including the incorporation of novel targeted therapies. As a result, cancer death rates are gradually declining while cancer survivorship is steadily rising. However, these benefits are offset by long term adverse effects. Among them, cardiotoxicity is a leading cause for late morbidity and mortality. While conventional chemotherapy has been known for decades to induce detrimental effects on the heart and peripheral vasculature, the novel agents might also have harmful off-target consequences. Thus, there is an unmet need for intimate collaboration between cardiologists, oncologists and hemato-oncologists. Furthermore, accelerated research of tumor cellular signaling and genetics opens unlimited research interplays between these disciplines. This prompted the development of the new field of cardio-oncology, which is developing worldwide but is still in its infancy in Israel. We herein launch the first International Meeting in Cardio-oncology to be held in Israel.
The meeting will be held annually. It will include international faculty and medical staff as well as scientists and Pharma who will share cutting edge developments in the field, aiming at the development and implementation of strategies for the prevention, early detection and management of cardio-oncological issues.