Inaugural Editorial: Journal of Cardio-Oncology – Bridging disciplines, advancing patient-centered global care

The 21st century has witnessed unprecedented advancements in oncology, with breakthroughs in targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and precision medicine transforming cancer from a devastating terminal illness into a manageable chronic condition for millions worldwide. However, this remarkable progress has uncovered a critical collateral challenge: The intricate interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease has evolved into a major determinant of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients and survivors globally. Beyond the well-recognized cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents and vascular complications linked to targeted therapies and immunotherapies, this cross-disease interplay encompasses more complex dimensions, including preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities that complicate cancer treatment strategies, direct myocardial injury mediated by proinflammatory or toxic factors secreted by tumor cells, and the emerging paradigm of ‘reverse cardio-oncology’, which addresses cancer risk in patients with cardiovascular diseases. These multifaceted connections not only blur the traditional boundaries between oncology and cardiology but also demand a deeper understanding of the shared biological pathways, bidirectional risk factors, and synergistic therapeutic implications that define the modern practice of cardio-oncology. Authoritative guidelines have underscored the global imperative of systematic assessment, prevention, and management of the aforementioned complications, shaping the evolving landscape of the discipline of cardio-oncology and highlighting the need for a comprehensive platform to integrate diverse relevant research and practice [1–5]. As oncology advances toward more personalized and long-term therapeutic regimens and as cardiology embraces precision medicine and innovative interventional technologies, the demand for cross-disciplinary collaboration has never been more urgent. Future progress in cardio-oncology will hinge on breakthroughs in key areas: unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-induced cardiovascular injury, identifying novel biomarkers for the early detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity, developing tailored therapeutic strategies that balance cancer control and cardiovascular protection, and addressing the bidirectional risks inherent in reverse cardio-oncology. These academic frontiers require a dedicated forum to synthesize evidence, foster dialogue, and accelerate the translation of basic science discoveries into clinical practice – a need that the Journal of Cardio-Oncology aims to meet. Cardio-oncology, the interdisciplinary convergence of cardiology and oncology, has evolved rapidly to address the aforementioned unmet global health need. It encompasses the full spectrum of care – from pretreatment cardiovascular-risk stratification and prevention of therapy-related toxicities to the diagnosis and management of established cardiovascular diseases in patients with cancer and cancer survivors – as well as the assessment and mitigation of cancer risk in individuals with cardiovascular conditions. As the field expands, there is a pressing demand for a high-caliber international platform that facilitates the exchange of cutting-edge research, disseminates evidence-based best practices, and fosters collaboration across borders and disciplines. Existing platforms often lack the breadth of focus needed to integrate basic science, clinical practice, multidisciplinary teamwork (MDT), and global health perspectives, leaving a gap in the global academic ecosystem. The Journal of Cardio-Oncology was launched to close this gap by serving as a unifying forum for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals worldwide dedicated to advancing cardio-oncology care. As an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal sponsored by the Chinese Medical Association (CMA) and published in collaboration with Wolters Kluwer, the Journal of Cardio-Oncology adheres to the highest academic standards and has been selected for China’s ‘High-Starting-Point New Journal Project’. Guided by a clear mission, the journal primarily aims to promote multidisciplinary team collaboration in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardio-oncology patients, fostering a holistic and patient-centered approach to care; disseminate high-quality, innovative research that spans the entire spectrum of cardio-oncology – from basic and translational science exploring shared pathogenic pathways to clinical studies on bidirectional risk management and outcomes research; educate healthcare professionals and support the continuous professional development of all MDT members, including cardiologists, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals; address global health disparities by ensuring equitable access to the latest advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention worldwide of cardio-oncology; further promote patient-centered care through the involvement of patients and their families in treatment decisions by integrating their perspectives into the journal’s content; and disseminate knowledge through a diverse range of content formats, including original research articles, reviews, commentaries, patient case studies, and interactive multimedia content, sharing best practices tailored to different healthcare professionals within cardio-oncology MDTs. The journal covers a broad range of topics within cardio-oncology, such as clinical research on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular complications in patients with cancer and cancer-related risks in patients with cardiovascular diseases (including clinical trials, case reports, and observational studies); basic and translational science focusing on the underlying mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, tumor-derived factor-mediated cardiac injury, shared genetic and environmental risk factors, and biomarkers for early detection and prognosis; MDT approaches showcasing the benefits and challenges of managing complex comorbidities and bidirectional disease risks as well as the relevant best practices, protocols, and case studies; innovative therapies and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, precision medicine, and minimally invasive interventions that improve the care of patients with cancer and cardiovascular diseases; patient and family perspectives highlighting experiences, outcomes, and psychosocial aspects of care (including patient advocacy and support strategies); health policy and advocacy discussions supporting MDT integration and effectiveness; global health research addressing disparities in cardio-oncology care, with a focus on innovative solutions for low- and middle-income countries; and educational resources tailored to MDT members for their continuous education and training in the latest advancements and best practices in cardio-oncology. Looking ahead, the Journal of Cardio-Oncology aspires to become a premier global platform for cardio-oncology innovation and collaboration. We will translate authoritative guidelines into actionable clinical insights, facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange through open access and multilingual support, and prioritize research that addresses key academic breakthroughs – including unraveling bidirectional disease mechanisms, developing targeted preventive strategies, and advancing precision medicine in comorbidity management. We welcome submissions from researchers and clinicians worldwide across various article types, including original research papers, state-of-the-art review articles, case reports, clinical trials, research letters, viewpoints, and invited guest letters. With the support of the CMA and the engagement of the global cardio-oncology community, we are committed to setting new standards for academic excellence, bridging research–practice gaps, and ensuring that patients worldwide receive the highest-quality cardio-oncology care. Together, we CO cure – united by a shared vision of advancing the science and practice of cardio-oncology to enable patients with cancer and cardiovascular diseases to thrive with optimal health. The Journal of Cardio-Oncology is more than a publication; it is a catalyst for global collaboration, innovation, and equity in cardio-oncology care. We look forward to welcoming contributions from the global community and shaping the future of the vital discipline of cardio-oncology. Acknowledgements None. Ethical Statement None. Conflicts of Interest Yunlong Xia and Susan F. Dent are Editor-in-Chiefs of the journal. The article was subject to the journal’s standard procedures, with peer review handled independently of the editor and the affiliated research groups. Funding Source None. Data Availability Statement None. Author Contribution None. Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools None.