Challenges in Cardio-Oncology and Psycho-Oncology

Cancer, the second leading cause of death globally, is increasingly treated as a chronic disease. Cancer survivors, a rapidly growing population, face significant cardiovascular and psychological challenges. This issue explores the intersection of psycho-oncology and cardio-oncology, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care to address emotional well-being, mitigate cardiovascular risks, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. “Patients with Infective Endocarditis and Their Caregivers’ Experiences with Each Other during Illness: A Qualitative Study” was contributed by Delal Sarmanlu et al. The researchers explored the experiences of five infective endocarditis (IE) patients and their caregivers, focusing on their interactions during illness. The empirical data were collected with qualitative, semi-structured dyadic interviews with theories regarding social support, psychological well-being, and coping strategies. Their conclusion showed that social support, including emotional, practical, and physiological assistance, was vital for coping with IE. Therefore, prioritizing caregiver participation in IE care can enhance patient outcomes and could be the future of research. In a review entitled “Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Cancer Pain Management within Cardio-Oncology and Psycho-Cardiology: A Narrative Review,” Lili Zhu et al. discussed cancer-related pain and its management strategies. They searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2002 and 2023. As a result, they found that although effective and widely used, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) carry cardiovascular risks (e.g., myocardial infarction and hypertension), especially for patients with preexisting conditions or undergoing cardiotoxic treatments. In addition, the psychological burden of chronic pain can worsen cardiovascular outcomes. This review highlights the challenges of NSAID use in cancer pain management and stresses the need for integrated approaches, combining pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies. A refreshing review titled “Body Image and Self-Identity in Transgender Patients: A Comprehensive Review from a Psycho-Oncological Perspective” is provided by Giuseppe Marano et al. This article proposes a comprehensive review aimed at synthesizing current knowledge on the psycho-oncological challenges faced by transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. It explored the complex relationship between being transgender and an oncologic patient, focusing primarily on the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and the implications of anatomical structures that remain after gender-affirming surgeries. The authors concluded that research and clinical practice presenting TGD individuals are in need, and more comprehensive studies and guidelines that address the specific healthcare needs of TGD patients are warranted. Anjali Rajpoot and Veena Sharma’s study, entitled “Bridging Cancer and Cardiovascular Health: A Comprehensive Review of Cardiotoxicity in Modern Oncology,” investigated the intricate relationship between cancer and cardiovascular disease. It highlighted the growing concern about cardiovascular toxicity associated with cancer therapies. It explored various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and radiation, and their associated cardiovascular risks, such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease. This work integrated insights from multidisciplinary collaborations, emphasizing underexplored mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity and the role of innovative monitoring tools. It also emphasized emerging therapeutic strategies tailored to mitigate these risks, providing a forward-looking perspective in this critical area of research. Wai Yip Lo et al. have contributed a review entitled “Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong in Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Cancer Patients: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.” This study identified and summarized the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of Tai Chi and Qigong (TCQ) in improving depressive and anxiety symptoms in cancer patients. The authors concluded that TCQ can be effective in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms in cancer patients. They suggested that healthcare providers should consider incorporating TCQ into cancer care. More randomized controlled trials on various cancer sites (e.g., female genitals, lungs, brain, skin, and pancreas), cancer stages (e.g., Stage IV), and non-Chinese populations with longer follow-ups should be conducted. In a nutshell, this issue paves the way for innovative strategies for patients in cardio-oncology and psycho-oncology. We are grateful for all of these insightful articles, which enrich the issue and advance knowledge in this critical field.