Management of Implantable Cardiovascular Devices in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Medical Physics
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Coexistence of cancer and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) presents complex clinical challenges.
• Radiation therapy for cancer patients with CIEDs necessitates careful management to prevent device malfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide practical guidance for the safe management of cancer patients with CIEDs undergoing radiation therapy.
• To establish a consensus statement for multidisciplinary clinical practice in oncological electrophysiology.

Main Methods:

• Consensus statement development by the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO).
• Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation including radiotherapy details, device characteristics, and patient cardiac conditions.
• Risk stratification, timing, and modality of cardiological assessments during and after therapy.

Main Results:

• Emphasis on a structured, systematic, and multidisciplinary approach for patient safety.
• Detailed pre-treatment assessment is crucial to minimize CIED malfunction risks.
• Guidelines for risk stratification and follow-up assessments are provided.

Conclusions:

• Standardized, safe, and effective clinical practice is achievable through a multidisciplinary approach.
• Understanding radiation-induced damage to cardiac devices is key for managing this patient population.
• This consensus aims to support clinicians in the evolving field of oncological electrophysiology.