Cardio-Oncology
Overcoming Heart Issues Related to Childhood Cancers
As childhood cancer survival rates continue to rise, some survivors may face long-term heart and blood vessel problems from treatment like chemotherapy, chest radiation and bone marrow transplant.
Childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk for heart-related problems can happen at the start of cancer treatment or come decades later in adulthood. These can include heart valve problems, coronary artery disease, lipid disorders, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and heart failure. The sooner we can detect and manage a child’s risk, the better we can protect them from serious problems in the future.
Nemours Children’s cardio-oncology team is part of award-winning heart centers in Delaware and Florida. We screen cancer survivors for heart conditions early and often. We work closely with our cancer team and cancer survivorship program to customize plans that prevent heart-related issues over the long-term.
Our team gives kids building blocks to become healthy adults. We focus on good nutrition, physical activity and healthy habits. Our goals are simple. We want childhood cancer survivors to have the best quality of life and the healthiest future possible.
Our Services
We care for children and young adults who’ve had or currently have cancer.
Your child’s care depends on their cancer treatment (type and doses), age, related health issues, family history of cardiovascular disease, test results and other factors.
Once we identify the risk, we introduce a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, nutrition and physical activity.
We offer complete care for kids, such as:
- Total health assessment and heart disease risk identification, including height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and other measurements, blood pressure monitoring and lipid testing (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Heart imaging and diagnostic tests, like electrocardiogram, echocardiogram (or echo), Holter event monitoring and, as needed, heart CT and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess physical fitness level and cardiovascular reserve (how the heart and lungs respond to increased activity), and a stress echo if needed
- Cardiac rehabilitation and fitness programs that include heart-specific therapies and exercises
- Cancer survivorship programs with our oncology team to address diet and nutrition and mental health for overall wellness
- Medically supervised weight loss program to help manage weight in a healthy way
- Full range of heart care, if needed, from expert preventive services to cardiac interventional and electrophysiology procedures (using thin tubes, or catheters, threaded through blood vessels) to cardiothoracic surgery and heart transplant (in Delaware)
- Heart failure and cardiomyopathy program including medical management and mechanical circulatory support with ventricular assist devices as a bridge to transplant
- Referral for additional testing and care with Nemours experts in more than 30 pediatric specialties as needed
- Transition to adult health care, helping young adults take control of their health and move their care to adult providers when it’s time
Two Leading Pediatric Heart Centers
Our heart centers offer highly advanced, integrated care just for kids and young adults with congenital heart disease. Learn about our focused programs, innovative research and exceptional outcomes.
Long-term side effects can happen after cancer treatment, even in remission. Learn more about potential late effects from the experts at Nemours KidsHealth®.
Eating well can help kids with cancer feel better and cope with side effects, even after treatment. Find out how.
Chemotherapy and radiation can be lifesaving for children with cancer, but they can also cause side effects over the long term. Learn what to expect.
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Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Related Specialties & Programs
Keeping Childhood Cancer Survivors on the Path to Better Heart Health
Heart disease risk depends on many factors, including the type of cancer treatment, family history of heart disease, overall health and more. We bring together a team of specialists who consider your child’s unique experience and situation.
We’re experts in pediatric heart disease and heart failure. We know what to look for and can start treatment right away.
Our cardiac exercise team offers the full range of exercise stress tests. We use the latest methods to assess heart health.
We help your child and family adopt a heart healthy lifestyle with nutritional counseling and exercise planning.
We’re here for your family from your child’s initial cancer diagnosis, through treatment and well beyond.
Keeping Childhood Cancer Survivors on the Path to Better Heart Health
Heart disease risk depends on many factors, including the type of cancer treatment, family history of heart disease, overall health and more. We bring together a team of specialists who consider your child’s unique experience and situation.
We’re experts in pediatric heart disease and heart failure. We know what to look for and can start treatment right away.
Our cardiac exercise team offers the full range of exercise stress tests. We use the latest methods to assess heart health.
We help your child and family adopt a heart healthy lifestyle with nutrition and exercise support.
We’re researching and developing innovative programs that help reduce the risk for heart disease.
We’re here for your family from initial cancer diagnosis, through treatment and well beyond.
Meet the Team
Nemours cardio-oncology teams are experienced and focused on your child's healthiest future. Meet them now.
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Mark J. Cartoski, MD
Cardiology Director, Cardiac MRI Program; Director, Advanced Cardiac Noninvasive Imaging Fellowship Assistant Professor at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Aryaz Sheybani, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Heart Transplant ProgramPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Shubhika Srivastava, MD
Cardiology Division Chief Cardiology, Co-Director Cardiac Center; Medical Director, Echocardiography, Congenital Echocardiography, Fetal Echocardiography Professor of Pediatrics — Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE -
Takeshi Tsuda, MD
Cardiology Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation & Fitness, Director, Cardio-Oncology Professor of Pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson UniversityPrimary Office
Wilmington, DE
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Katherine T. Braley, MD
Cardiology Medical Director, Fetal Heart Program, Director of Fetal EchocardiographyPrimary Office
Orlando, FL
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.