Home » UK HealthCare honored for excellence in cardio-oncology

UK HealthCare honored for excellence in cardio-oncology

Photo by Arden Barnes | UKphoto

LEXINGTON, Ky.  UK HealthCare has been named a Gold Class Center of Excellence by the International Cardio-Oncology Society, one of 27 hospitals in the U.S. and 11 hospitals worldwide.

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center is ranked among the top cancer centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and having that care supplemented by the cardiology experts at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute provides oncology patients with a level of care not available at many other facilities in Kentucky. UK HealthCare is the only institution in Kentucky to be awarded the Gold Center of Excellence designation for its support of cancer patients.

“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to our patients,” said Amit Arbune, M.D., director of cardio-oncology at UK HealthCare. “Developing timely interventions for cancer patients who are experiencing or have experienced heart problems because of their cancer treatment is critical. Not only do we help keep their hearts strong, but we also put them at ease because they know they are getting the best possible care.”

Cancer-induced heart problems affect nearly 10% of cancer patients. These problems, including conditions known as cardiotoxicity, can be caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Symptoms of these health issues can develop immediately during treatment or decades after the cancer survivor completes treatment.

To be considered for Gold Class certification, programs must meet several requirements, including quality of care, standards of care, quality metrics and program improvements. Gold status is valid for three years.

“This certification from the International Cardio-Oncology Society confirms what we already knew — UK HealthCare is a leader in comprehensive, specialized care,” said Mark Evers, M.D., director of the Markey Cancer Center. “Our multidisciplinary approach to patient care is what makes UK the top hospital in the state, and we’re proud our team was recognized with the highest designation in cardio-oncology care.”

About the International Cardio-Oncology Society
Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the two most common causes of death and disease worldwide, and the incidence of both increases with age. With increased life expectancy, cancer is now recognized as a chronic disease, as evidenced by a growing number of cancer survivors exceeding 11 million. With further improvement in cancer therapy, this number will likely increase, and as the numbers of survivors grow, so will the number of patients living with cancer-related cardiotoxicity. Among Hodgkin lymphoma patients who have received radiation, CVD is one of the most common causes of death. Our vision is to eliminate the cardiovascular disease as a barrier to effective cancer therapy in all our patients being treated or previously treated for cancer. We exist to advance the cardiovascular care of cancer patients and survivors by promoting collaboration among researchers, educators and clinicians around the world.

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