An international survey highlights significant gaps in training in cardio-oncology, despite its growing clinical importance. These results were presented at ESC Cardio-Oncology 2026, the second annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology’s Cardio-Oncology Council.
Modern cancer treatments are extending the lives of patients, but there is growing concern about the cardiovascular side effects of cancer treatments. Cardio-oncology is a relatively new field that aims to optimize cancer treatment while minimizing cardiovascular toxicity. The ESC established the Cardio-Oncology Council and published expert-led guidelines for cardio-oncology in 2022. The Cardio-Oncologist Leaders of Tomorrow (COOL) group was created from within the ESC Council to engage the next generation of cardio-oncology professionals and develop educational strategies that meet their evolving needs.
Members of the COOL and ESC councils participated in this study. Explaining the rationale, Dr. Massimiliano Camilli of Agostino Gemelli General Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy, said:COOL Group has launched the first comprehensive international survey of cardio-oncology education from medical school to postgraduate training to understand the current situation and needs of healthcare professionals in Europe and beyond.”
Anonymized web-based surveys were distributed to cardiologists, cardiology residents, and other health care professionals involved in the care of cancer patients. A total of 398 respondents from 63 countries completed the survey, 73% of whom were board-certified cardiologists.
This study revealed that training in cardio-oncology during undergraduate and postgraduate education is limited. Only 10% of respondents reported training in cardio-oncology during medical school and 17% during residency. When asked if a structured cardio-oncology education program was available at their institution, the majority of respondents (87%) indicated that formal training was not available. Subgroup analysis revealed that access to training opportunities in cardio-oncology was greater for respondents working in university hospitals and participants from Europe compared to non-European countries.
Across respondents, diagnosis of cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity and strategies for risk stratification, prevention, and monitoring were highlighted as important priority knowledge areas. Preferred learning formats were cardio-oncology-focused fellowships, webinars, university master’s degrees, and position statements on controversial topics developed by academic societies. Respondents cited the ESC and national cardiology societies as key organizations that can lead education in this area.
Dr. Camilli summarized the results as follows: ”“The recently published ESC Core Curriculum for Cardio-Oncology, together with the ESC Guidelines, will facilitate standardization of training and provide the basis for the new ESC Cardio-Oncology certification,” he said. “Improvements in cardio-oncology education are essential. This study reveals significant gaps in cardio-oncology education during medical school and residency, and structured institutional programs.” Across all stages of medical training and all relevant specialties – enabling the prevention and early management of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients. ”
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European Society of Cardiology
