Is there a recognised cardio-oncology group or society in your country?
There is currently no standalone national cardio-oncology society in Kazakhstan. Cardio-oncology activities are conducted within the framework of the Kazakhstan Society of Heart Failure. The field is represented by a fragmented group of approximately 20 specialists based across different cities of the republic, including cardiologists, oncologists, and cardiac imaging experts, who are involved in clinical practice, education, and early research initiatives related to cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy. The main challenges include the absence of a formal structure, unified national protocols, and coordinated data collection. Planned next steps include formal networking, protocol harmonisation, and the potential establishment of a dedicated working group.
Clinical Practice
A national roadmap for the development of cardio-oncology in the Republic of Kazakhstan has been developed. Amendments are currently being introduced into regulatory documents in cardiology and oncology, focusing on early detection, risk stratification, and dynamic follow-up of cancer patients to reduce cardiovascular risk. The initiative aims to integrate cardio-oncology principles into routine clinical practice, improve interdisciplinary collaboration, and standardise approaches to prevention, monitoring, and management of cardiovascular complications related to cancer therapy at the national level.
Education
A certification programme in cardio-oncology is currently underway, with dedicated seminars in the planning stage. The 1st Eurasian Congress on Cardio-oncology is planned for the coming year, representing a significant milestone in the development of the specialty at the regional level.
Research
Planned research activities include a prospective cardiovascular screening programme for cancer survivors, to be conducted at four primary care polyclinics in the city of Astana. The study will focus on patients who have completed oncological treatment and will include structured cardiovascular assessment, risk stratification, and longitudinal follow-up to detect subclinical and overt cardiovascular complications related to cancer therapy. The project aims to create a local cardio-oncology dataset to support evidence-based follow-up strategies and inform national clinical pathways. In parallel, plans are in place to join the international ESC-supported OSCAR registry, which will enable harmonised data collection, benchmarking with other countries, and integration of national data into a broader international cardio-oncology research framework.