Advanced Echocardiographic Techniques in Cardio-Oncology: the Role for Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Implementation of advanced echocardiographic techniques in cardio-oncology is a growing need as they are the cornerstone of early detection of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity (CTR-CVT). RECENT FINDINGS: Three-dimensional echocardiography and myocardial deformation techniques have shown more accuracy and reproducibility than classic 2D measurements in detecting cardiovascular adverse effects in patients undergoing anticancer therapies. Application of advanced echo techniques to daily monitoring of patients with cancer helps to identify those at risk of developing CTR-CVT during and after cancer treatment. Furthermore, advanced echo parameters improve early initiation of cardioprotective treatments in order to minimize cardiovascular events and cancer treatment interruption.