September 27, 2023
The cardio-oncology program at The University of Kansas Cancer Center has received the Gold Status Center of Excellence designation from The International Cardio-Oncology Society.
Cardio-oncology refers to a combination of heart care and cancer care that allows patients to continue cancer treatment while minimizing damage to the heart. The health system is among a few in the nation that offers a cardio-oncology program to improve the heart health of cancer patients.
The program was founded in 2008 by cardiologist Charles Porter, MD, who is the medical director, and breast oncologist Carol Fabian, MD. Through cardio-oncology services, cancer patients whose medication causes unwanted cardiac side effects receive coordinated care between their cancer care team and a cardiologist.
Today, the cardio-oncology program includes cardiologists, cardiac nurse practitioners, cancer researchers and oncologists treating a variety of solid tumors and leukemias. The team works to ensure patients at the cancer center receive individualized treatment to cure or suppress malignancies while providing specialized heart care to minimize cardiovascular complications. Patients who are being treated for cancer at another hospital may also use our cardio-oncology services.
Support from the Sally and Bud Cray Foundation has been instrumental to the success of the cardio-oncology program and providing the best possible care to patients.
The IC-OS is a global organization of professionals that works to protect the cardiovascular health of all patients who are undergoing cancer therapy.
To learn more about our cardio-oncology program, call 913-588-1227.