Cardio-Oncology & Immunology Program

Advances in cancer treatment have dramatically improved the long-term survival of cancer patients. Unfortunately, many of the drugs and therapies that destroy cancer cells can damage a person's heart, directly or by creating immunological or metabolic problems that affect cardiovascular health. The UCSF Cardio-Oncology & Immunology Program was created to address those problems.

Our goal is to minimize heart-health risks for patients during and after their cancer treatment. Because of the complex nature of these issues, we have a diverse team of specialists working closely together to care for our patients. We also collaborate with doctors and researchers at UCSF Bakar Cancer Hospital, as well as the UCSF Cardiovascular Research Institute and other medical centers worldwide.

With expertise and care, we're equipped to help a range of patients, including:

• Those with heart-related side effects from cancer treatments. These treatments could include anthracyclines and radiation therapy.
• Newly diagnosed cancer patients who already have cardiovascular issues. Our cardio-oncologists work closely with the primary cancer team to safely guide each patient through their cancer treatments.
• People with inflammatory heart conditions. These are patients treated with an immuno-oncology therapy who develop an inflammatory heart disease, such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).
• Patients with metabolic issues or disorders. Cancer therapies that target tumor metabolism can upset bodily metabolism. This, by extension, can affect the cardiovascular system. Our expert team focuses on reducing the impact of these metabolic changes on the cardiovascular system.
• Cancer survivors. Because many cancer treatments can be harmful to the heart, patients are often left with a higher risk of heart disease. We work with survivors to teach them about their cardiovascular risks and strategies to reduce them.

We also offer a number of clinics focused on treating specific conditions, including:

• Amyloidosis
• Carcinoid heart disease
• Myocarditis
• Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)