The Global Cardio-Oncology Summit (GCOS) is a groundbreaking annual event, bringing together the brightest minds in cardiology and oncology from around the globe. Organized by the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS), this summit is a beacon of hope and progress in the fight against cancer and its cardiovascular complications.
In 2025, the summit took place in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, from October 30 to November 1. It served as a crucial gathering for healthcare professionals worldwide, aiming to enhance the lives of patients battling both cancer and cardiovascular disease.
One of the key figures at this year's summit was Professor Aaron Sverdlov, Director of Heart Failure at the University of Newcastle and Co-Director of the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). Professor Sverdlov shared some insightful highlights from GCOS 2025, shedding light on the critical issues addressed during the conference.
The 'Big 5' Themes in Cancer-Related Cardiovascular Care:
Baseline Risk Assessment: Identifying who is truly at risk before cancer therapy begins is crucial. Understanding the patient's cardiovascular health before treatment can help tailor personalized care plans.
Surveillance and Prevention: Monitoring and preventing cardiovascular issues before they become clinical problems is a proactive approach. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in patient outcomes.
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Survivorship: Long-term follow-up and managing late effects are essential for cancer survivors. The summit addressed lifestyle considerations and support for young adult and pediatric survivors.
Multidisciplinary Service Delivery: Organizing cardio-oncology services to function effectively in real-world settings is a challenge. The summit explored innovative ways to overcome this hurdle.
Professor Sverdlov praised the International Cardio-Oncology Society and the local Cardio-Oncology Society of Southern Africa (COSOSA) for their efforts in bringing together experts from various disciplines.
Looking Ahead: GCOS 2026 and 2027
The International Cardio-Oncology Society announced the next two summit locations, continuing the global collaboration:
- GCOS 2026: Williamsburg, Virginia, USA - Returning to the United States, the summit will focus on advancing the 'treat cancer, protect hearts' agenda and fostering collaboration between North America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
- GCOS 2027: Tokyo, Japan - The first GCOS in Japan presents a unique opportunity to showcase Asia-Pacific cardio-oncology advancements.
Honoring Excellence: The Thomas Force Award
A significant moment at GCOS 2025 was the presentation of the International Cardio-Oncology Society's Thomas Force Award to Teresa López Fernández. This award, named after Tom Force, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of cardio-oncology. Teresa's work has been instrumental in establishing many of the 'standard' practices we see today, including ESC cardio-oncology guidance, cardiac imaging pathways, and the development of national-level cardio-oncology services in Spain. Her IC-OS Thomas Force Lecture at GCOS 2025 showcased how imaging, risk stratification, and real-world service design intersect.
Practical Insights: Managing Thrombosis in Cardio-Oncology
One of the summit's highlights was a practical talk by Michael Fradley, MD, on managing thrombosis in cardio-oncology patients. Dr. Fradley addressed common challenges, such as catheter-related thrombosis, active chemotherapy, fluctuating platelet counts, and competing bleeding risks. He emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary input from oncology, cardio-oncology, and hematology specialists in making timely decisions.
The Role of Cardiac Biomarkers: A Preventive Approach
Joshua Mitchell's session on the role of cardiac biomarkers in diagnosing and preventing cardiotoxicity was a key discussion point. Mitchell argued for the structured use of biomarkers like troponin and natriuretic peptides, tied to cancer therapy milestones. This approach allows for earlier imaging, cardioprotective therapy, and scalable monitoring. Key takeaways included the value of combining biomarker data with symptoms, the importance of trending over one-off values, and the need to pair biomarker triggers with planned actions.
The Role of Primary Care in Cardio-Oncology
Siva Tharshini Ramalingam's session on the importance of primary care in cardio-oncology was a reminder that for many cancer patients, their primary care physician is often the first to notice symptoms like breathlessness, tachycardia, or unusual ECG readings. Ramalingam emphasized the need for clear escalation protocols, enabling primary care to initiate work-ups (ECG, basic labs, BNP/troponin tests) so that oncology and cardiology teams can act swiftly. Shared protocols, regardless of geography, are crucial for effective regional and rural care. As Ramalingam noted, "If primary care isn't connected, cardio-oncology becomes a boutique service, not a system."
The Global Cardio-Oncology Summit is a testament to the dedication and innovation within the medical community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by cancer and cardiovascular disease. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from future GCOS events!
