Program Building in Cardio-oncology: Bridging Existing Care Gaps to Improve Cardiovascular and Cancer Outcomes

We aim to elaborate on the fundamentals of cardio-oncology-programs (COP) building, existing challenges, and future directions to expand access to COPs and improve outcomes.

Worldwide, the number of COPs is growing. Strategic planning, qualified staff, well-equipped infrastructures, patient-centered focus, and academia are optimal elements for building and sustaining a COP. Alternative models leveraging existing resources are feasible for a larger number of institutions in the community and can achieve essential care metrics. Furthermore, advocacy, research, and education can play a vital role in expanding COPs and empowering community centers to meet the needs of this growing population.

All stakeholders involved in cardio-oncology care should collaborate to build and expand COPs to early-diagnose, prevent, and treat the growing burden of cardiovascular disease and cancer. COPs are proposed to improve access and quality of care, reduce resource-utilization, bridge knowledge gaps, and mitigate social and ethnic disparities.