The acknowledgement of cardiovascular disease as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among cancer survivors is the cornerstone of the growing field of cardio-oncology. Although standardizing treatment for any given disease is often considered ideal, it is important to recognize the value of pursuing a practical and personalized approach when caring for an oncology patient to minimize the risk of treatment-related cardiotoxicity. We hereby discuss a series of cases that illustrate the ways vascular toxicity can manifest in patients with cancer and, when appropriate, provide scientific evidence that supports clinical decision making. We also raise questions about the complex management of these patients while shedding light on future research in this growing field.
Keywords: arterial thrombosis; cardio-oncology; pulmonary embolism; superior vena cava syndrome; vascular toxicity; venous thromboembolism.
© 2019 Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Texas.