Shaping the Future of Cardio-Oncology in Singapore: Insights from the ESC Conference

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In June 2025, I attended the inaugural ESC Cardio-Oncology Conference in Florence, a pivotal event for cardiologists in this rapidly evolving speciality. The conference provided practical, actionable insights that will directly inform how we care for cancer patients in Singapore.

Proactive Diagnostics: The New Frontier in Patient Monitoring

A central theme was the clinical application of advanced diagnostic tools to improve patient outcomes. Discussions focused on using global longitudinal strain (GLS) and advanced cardiac imaging to detect subclinical cardiotoxicity, which often occurs before patients develop overt symptoms or a decline in ejection fraction. These insights provide a clear framework for refining our screening and monitoring protocols for cancer patients, enhancing the precision of our cardiac assessments.

The Power of Proactive Treatment

One of the most significant takeaways was the emphasis on proactive versus reactive intervention. Robust trial data were presented supporting the prophylactic use of cardioprotective agents like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists. This is particularly relevant for our local patient population, where metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities are common. Integrating these therapies is an immediately applicable strategy to help reduce cancer treatment interruptions, prevent adverse cardiac events, and improve long-term outcomes.

Managing Complexity Through Collaboration

I also attended sessions on managing immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myocarditis and other cardiovascular complications associated with newer cancer therapies. Sessions on such topics underscored the limitations of standard protocols in these complex cases. This highlights the critical need for close interdisciplinary collaboration. I observed how mature health systems are successfully building dedicated cardio-oncology teams, a model I believe we must replicate in Singapore. Ensuring every patient’s care team includes both an oncologist and a dedicated cardiologist is essential for optimal management.

A Call for Global Inclusion and Asian Data

The conference also served as a platform to address the need for greater global inclusion in cardio-oncology research. There was a strong call for more studies involving Asian populations, whose data remain underrepresented in major trials. As a cardiologist in Singapore, I recognise our responsibility to contribute to this field and intend to pursue multicenter collaborations that better reflect our region’s unique patient profiles.

Our Vision: A Future Without Compromise

Attending ESC Cardio-Oncology wasn’t just about bringing back new knowledge. It was about affirming a new standard of care, as I believe Singapore is well-placed to contribute meaningfully in Asia. With the tools, frameworks, and relationships gained from this conference, I intend to continue shaping a service model that integrates oncology and cardiology seamlessly, with the patient at the centre of every decision.

Ultimately, our objective is to ensure that no patient undergoing cancer treatment has to compromise their cardiovascular health for their survival. The ESC conference has provided both the validation and the momentum to advance this vision through dedicated and comprehensive care.

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