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Cardio-Oncology Sign of Progress

86 views · Published 27 July 2015 · 1:32 · Indexed 22 October 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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It is a sign of progress: with outcomes improving, doctors are moving on from exclusively treating cancer, to minimizing affects on long-term survivors.

“We’ve always functioned with the aspect that the cancer is the most horrible thing affecting that person right now and so just kind of do what you have to do and we’ll deal with the after affects,” says Dr. Anita Arnold, who is a cardiologist with Lee Memorial Health System. 

It’s estimated 1 out of 22 people in this country is a cancer survivor. Many are living with the implications of their treatment. Forms of radiation and chemo are now linked to heart issues. Enter the field of cardio-oncology; it works to reduce complications and prevent future patients from ever experiencing them.

“We started getting involved with our cancer colleagues because they noticed some of the processes that we were dealing with - in particular re-stenosis or re-clogging of the arteries. And the question comes up can we work closer in a preventive strategy,” says Dr. Arnold. 

Fine-tuning drug dosages, looking for less toxic alternatives, and narrowing the field of radiation are all in play. In some cases, including an initial cardiac evaluation, allows for real-time monitoring. 

“We’re also trying to develop newer modalities to actually test for much smaller decrements in heart function so that we can see that earlier,” says Dr. Arnold. 

Considering gains in life-saving treatment, more cancer patients are interested in preserving their quality of life. 


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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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