As more people survive cancer, a growing focus is being placed on the long-term effects of treatment, notably on cardiovascular health. On Sunday,November 16,2025,listeners of Radio românia Cultural will hear from Dr. Camelia Diaconu, a leading Romanian cardiologist, as she discusses the emerging field of cardio-oncology and its implications for patient care. The program will address critical questions surrounding the intersection of cancer and heart disease, a topic gaining international attention following the release of the first European guidelines in 2022.
Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM listeners of Radio România Cultural will have the opportunity to hear from Dr. Camelia Diaconu, Professor at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, a leading cardiologist and internist, and Head of the Clinical Section of Internal Medicine at the Bucharest Emergency Clinical Hospital.
The discussion will center around cardio-oncology, a rapidly developing field of research with significant clinical applications for a growing number of patients. Understanding the intersection of cancer treatment and heart health is increasingly vital as more people survive cancer and live with the long-term effects of both diseases.
“Due to the acceleration of coronary atherosclerosis as a consequence of cancer treatments, severe complications can arise. A cardiology consultation prior to initiating therapy allows for accurate cardiovascular risk stratification and, consequently, better therapeutic decision-making,” emphasizes Professor Dr. Camelia Diaconu.
The European Society of Cardiology published the first international guideline dedicated to cardio-oncologic patients at the end of 2022. Recent years have seen valuable insights emerge from studies presented at major national and international medical conferences. The latest edition of the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Congress in Bucharest featured several special sessions focused on these topics.
“Cardiovascular monitoring of cancer patients through ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, or even cardiac MRI can provide important information to both the oncologist and cardiologist regarding the exacerbation of pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or the emergence of complications following cancer treatment, particularly after the administration of anthracyclines.” Frequent emetic syndrome encountered in cancer therapy can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances with a direct impact on cardiac function. “If chronic kidney disease is also present, the risks are much greater, as these patients frequently have hypertension that is difficult to control therapeutically and an increased risk of stroke or acute myocardial infarction due to accelerated atherosclerosis and vascular calcification,” warns Professor Dr. Camelia Diaconu.
Psycho-oncology represents a burgeoning branch of medicine gaining increasing attention. The use of tricyclic antidepressants in patients with depression can affect the cardiovascular system, requiring closer monitoring, especially in individuals with multiple co-morbidities and complex medication regimens. The first European guideline for psycho-cardiology was published this year at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid.
How should patients with multiple co-morbidities be monitored correctly?
How important is personalized treatment?
What are the signs and symptoms that may indicate cardiovascular decompensation in an oncology patient?
Why is it dangerous to adjust medical recommendations based on the advice of relatives or neighbors?
These are just a few of the questions that will be answered by an expert during the November 16, 2025, edition of the REConCHILLiant program.
Host: Daniela Rei Vişan
