Overview
Cancer survival has improved over the years due to newer and better forms of treatment with chemotherapy and radiation. When treating cancer, some of the treatments may cause lasting damage to your heart. This is especially true if you are at risk for heart disease.
The goal of Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Cardio-Oncology Program is to help you complete your cancer treatment without developing such damage. We identify and immediately treat the issue. Our care does not change or interrupt your cancer therapy.
Our team includes specialists from the Heart & Vascular Center and the McDowell Cancer Center. The team works together to provide expertise in diagnostic testing, medical management, and interventional and surgical procedures for patients.
This multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals is dedicated to caring for patients in every stage of cancer treatment who are at risk for, develop or have established cardiovascular disease.
What We Treat
The Cardio-Oncology Program provides care to patients in varying stages of cancer treatment who have or are at risk for heart disease. Our range of services includes evaluation and treatment of patients:
- Who will begin cancer treatment and have risk factors for heart disease.
- Who will begin cancer treatment and are being treated for heart disease.
- Who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation and develop symptoms of weakness or fatigue; swelling of the legs and feet; chest pain; irregular heartbeats; and/or dizziness.
- Who have had cancer treatment in the past and develop new cardiac problems.
- Who have had radiation therapy in the past and need surgical or interventional treatments.
- Who have a cardiac tumor.
Our team of healthcare professionals offers patients:
- A wide range of imaging techniques and diagnostic studies. These allow for early detection of heart and blood vessel damage and arrhythmias. These tools include cardiovascular exam, electrocardiogram (ECG), and state-of-the-art echocardiography, including 3D, cardiac MRI, contrast and strain imaging.
- Collaborative medical management. Our cardiologists and oncologists will discuss your test results. Together, we will design the best cancer treatment plan for you. This includes the choice of treatment, dosage, and schedule.
- Ongoing follow-up care during cancer treatment. This lets us find and treat heart and vascular changes early in your care and work to create the best long-term outcomes possible.
- Continued care after cancer treatment. You can develop heart damage (cardiotoxicity) within the first year after therapy, and even several years after therapy. We provide follow-up care and early treatment if needed.
- Advanced surgical options for patients with valve and pericardial disease caused by previous radiation therapy.
- Specialized medical treatment for patients with heart failure caused by chemotherapy or radiation.
Why choose Cleveland Clinic Akron General?
Specialists in the field from Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Heart & Vascular Center and McDowell Cancer Center are working together to offer you the best diagnostics and treatment possible.
Learn more
Our Team
Cleveland Clinic Akron General’s Cardio-Oncology Program staff includes a multidisciplinary group of expert healthcare professionals from the Heart & Vascular Center and McDowell Cancer Center. This collaboration is designed to provide you with the best possible care of your heart before, during and after cancer treatment.
- Vinayak Hegde, MD
- Zenab Laiq, MD
- Amy L. Gerber, CNP
Appointments & Location
To make an appointment, please call 330.344.7400.
Physician referrals
330.344.7400
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Physician Office Building
224 West Exchange Street
Suite # 225
Akron, OH 44302
