Is there a recognised cardio-oncology group or society in your country?
Italy has an active and well-established cardio-oncology community, supported by dedicated initiatives within the Italian Society of Cardiology. The field continues to expand through multidisciplinary collaboration between cardiologists, oncologists, haematologists, and imaging specialists across the country.
Clinical Practice
Cardio-oncology has experienced significant growth in Italy, with an increasing number of dedicated teams operating in centres where oncology and haematology services are available. Alongside hospital-based programmes, regional initiatives are emerging to support patient monitoring and long-term cardiovascular follow-up in community settings.
More recently, several Italian regions have started implementing a hub-and-spoke model for cardio-oncology. Within this framework, specialised referral centres provide expertise and support for the management of complex cases, while collaborating with local healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care closer to patients’ homes.
Education
Educational activities in cardio-oncology have expanded considerably in recent years. Through its dedicated study group, the Italian Society of Cardiology delivers a comprehensive programme that includes annual webinars, dedicated symposia at both regional and national congresses, and a fellowship course held during the national cardiology congress.
To further support training in the specialty, a book entirely devoted to cardio-oncology was recently published for Italian cardiology residents, providing an educational resource for the next generation of specialists.
Research
Research activity in Italian cardio-oncology is rapidly evolving, with several projects currently underway. Multiple registries are being developed to investigate the cardiovascular toxicity associated with radiotherapy, immunotherapies, and treatments for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
In addition, a collaborative project with the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging is currently conducting a retrospective analysis of the role of strain imaging in the assessment of treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Building on these findings, a prospective study is planned for 2026 to evaluate the value of different echocardiographic parameters for monitoring cardiovascular toxicity in high-risk patients.
