Introduction

This proposed text is designed to provide a useful and comprehensive resource and state-of-the-art overview to readers about vascular damage potentially induced by antineoplastic drugs.

Background

Thanks to more and more effective antineoplastic treatments the survival of cancer patients is enormously increasing, but at the same time it is increasing the burden of related cardiovascular complications that affect morbidity and mortality. On this basis a new branch of cardiology has been developed, that is Cardio-Oncology. The aim is to prevent cardiovascular complications related to cancer therapy and to facilitate and avoid interruption of antineoplastic drugs due to the occurrence of cardiovascular damage. An increasing attention has been given to cardiac damage, while, until today, vascular complications have been poorly evaluated.

Purpose of the Book

The aim of this book is to focus on vascular complications related to cancer treatment, to guide the clinician at facing, during his every day practice, cardiovascular toxicity in cancer and hematologic patients.

Content and Structure

The proposed sections of the book have been structured to review the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular damage induced by new and old treatments, to describe the various manifestations of vascular disease that may range from artery to venous disease (including coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, venous thromboembolism and pulmonary hypertension), and to provide advice to monitor patients undergoing onco-hematologic treatments in order to prevent and eventually manage vascular damage.

Intended Audience

This book will address resident and fellow physicians, medical oncologists, cardiologists, general practitioners and all those who take care of these patients.

Authors and Contributors

All invited authors will be recognized experts in their field, and leading international researchers on these topics. The editor has worked with these expert colleagues on a variety of other projects. The authors will provide their manuscript according to current literature and clinical research studies.

Scope and Unique Value

The book does not seek to duplicate or replace other current resources. Rather, it will create a comprehensive yet concise resource on this emerging topic that is not adequately covered by any current literature.