The International CardiOncology Society (ICOS) and Cardiac Safety Research Consortium (CSRC) joined efforts last week at the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) White Oak Facilities as part of an annual meeting to explore ways to integrate cardiology and oncology research, focusing on cardiac safety for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

"We're pleased that the CSRC and the FDA co-sponsored our annual meeting, because bringing so many world-class experts on cardiology and oncology together at the FDA Headquarters was important. Such collaborations reflect growing awareness of the significant advancements in cardiac safety for cancer patients. Ensuring patient safety is our primary goal, and exploring ongoing opportunities to work with other experts is paramount to achieving that goal," stated ICOS Chairman (United States and Canada) Daniel L. Lenihan, MD. Dr. Lenihan is Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiovascular Research at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.

When asked about the purpose of the ICOS and last week's meetings, Dr. Carlo M. Cipolla— ICOS Chairman of Europe/Asia and Director of the Cardiology Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy—noted that the organization's research leads to greater understanding and protocols that minimize the risk of cardiovascular damage while maximizing survival chances for cancer patients. "Before we formed ICOS," he continued, "cardiologists and oncologists simply did not communicate well. Fifteen years ago, there was no research in this area. So we were proud during this year's meetings to watch ICOS members, such as my colleagues Drs. Daniela Cardinale and Maria Teresa Sandri, present exciting new scientific findings, which will soon be published in respected peer-reviewed journals."

Attendees showing support for interdisciplinary research included global experts ranging from oncologists, cardiologists and clinical researchers to government entities such as the National Cancer Institute as well as numerous principals in the medical industry. Representatives from Abbott, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Cordis, Eli Lilly, GE Healthcare, Medtronic, Merck, sanofi-aventis, Siemens Healthcare and Theravance were among the many industry leaders at the meeting. Attendees benefited from sessions delivered and moderated by distinguished experts such as Joseph Carver, MD, Chief of Staff, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Michael J. Fisch, MD, MPH, Chair, Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

Sessions covered everything from how cardiotoxicity impacts clinicians and patients to the future of CardiOncology research. Jack Lewin, MD, President of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) drew particular interest when discussing his organization's priorities including

data registries underway which collect office-based information to better understand what is actually occurring in clinical practice.

Summarizing the impact that meetings co-sponsored by organizations like the FDA, ICOS and CRSC can make, Dr. Cipolla said, "our spirit of cooperation encourages leading cardiology and oncology experts to work together so we can improve cancer patients' prognoses while reducing side effects associated with treatment. Our efforts help everyone talk with one another."

Highlights of the meeting will be posted when completed in the next few weeks and will be available on the ICOS website: www.cardioncology.com

Source: CardiOncology