
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Neha Gupta ( Medical Oncology)
A vital interdisciplinary clinical cardio-oncology guide on preventing and managing Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction (CTRCD), evaluating cumulative Doxorubicin thresholds, Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab HER2 monitoring, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) echocardiography, and cardioprotective Dexrazoxane/ACE-inhibitor protocols.
CRITICAL CLINICAL RED FLAG: Any oncology patient receiving anthracyclines or anti-HER2 therapy who develops progressive shortness of breath on exertion, orthopnea (breathlessness lying flat), unexplained dry cough, or bilateral ankle swelling requires emergency echocardiography and serum NT-proBNP measurement.
Cardiotoxicity from systemic cancer treatments is broadly divided into two distinct pathophysiological categories:
Type I (Anthracycline-Induced): Doxorubicin/Epirubicin cause dose-dependent, irreversible myocyte necrosis through Topoisomerase II-beta inhibition and reactive oxygen species generation (cumulative dose limit: Doxorubicin <=400–450 mg/m²).
Type II (Anti-HER2 Induced): Trastuzumab (Herceptin) / Pertuzumab block HER2 signaling in cardiomyocytes, causing dose-independent, largely reversible contractile stunning.
Standardized surveillance schedule throughout treatment:
Baseline Comprehensive Echocardiogram: Measurement of 3D LVEF, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), and diastolic filling pressures.
Subclinical Cardiotoxicity Threshold: A relative drop in GLS of >15% from baseline (even with normal LVEF) indicates early cardiomyocyte stress.
Serum Cardiac Biomarkers: Serial High-Sensitivity Troponin I (hs-cTnI) and NT-proBNP monitored before each cycle.
"Curing cancer should never come at the cost of a damaged heart. Baseline cardiovascular risk stratification and proactive GLS strain monitoring ensure safe completion of every curative oncology cycle." — Dr. Neha Gupta

Initiating early cardioprotection with Enalapril/Ramipril and Carvedilol/Bisoprolol upon detecting subclinical GLS decline prevents irreversible LVEF drop and allows uninterrupted completion of cancer chemotherapy.
CLINICAL CAUTION: Relying solely on 2D Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) misses subclinical myocardial injury; 2D Speckle Tracking Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is mandatory for early detection of cardiotoxicity.
Dexrazoxane (an iron-chelating Topoisomerase II-beta inhibitor) is administered 30 minutes prior to Doxorubicin in high-risk patients to prevent free-radical myocardial damage.
1. 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology: European Society of Cardiology Clinical Practice Framework — European Heart Journal, 2022; 43(41): 4229-4361.
2. Prevention and Monitoring of Cardiac Dysfunction in Survivors of Adult Cancer: ASCO Guideline — J Clin Oncol, 2021; 39(9): 1020-1040.

Senior Consultant & Clinical Director — Medical Oncology
MBBS (BFUHS Faridkot), MD Radiation Oncology (BFUHS Faridkot), DrNB Medical Oncology (Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad), Precision Oncology (Harvard, USA), Ex Consultant RGCI New Delhi

13+ Years Experience
Spica — Grover Hospital
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Proprietary surgical methodologies and precision protocols pioneered by our senior directors to minimize trauma, protect natural anatomy, and accelerate recovery.

Dr. Deepak Garg (Orthopaedic Surgical Oncology - RGCI Delhi Trained) and Dr. Neha Gupta (Medical Oncology) co-lead the Bone Cancer & Sarcoma Center at Spica Healthcare. Integrating intensive multi-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols (MAP: High-Dose Methotrexate, Doxorubicin, Cisplatin for Osteosarcoma; VIDE: Vincristine, Ifosfamide, Doxorubicin, Etoposide for Ewing Sarcoma) with 3D computer-navigated limb salvage surgery and modular titanium megaprosthetic joint reconstruction, 5-year survival rates exceed 75% to 80% while saving over 95% of patients from limb amputation.
Spica Healthcare — Bone and Cancer Institute, Bathinda — is South-Western Punjab's premier super-speciality centre led by AIIMS and Tata Memorial fellowship-trained directors.
Every diagnostic MRI review, surgical staging, and operation is personally directed by chief clinical specialists — Dr. Deepak Garg (Orthopaedic Oncology & Robotics) and Dr. Neha Gupta (Medical Oncology) — guaranteeing zero junior proxies.
Sub-millimeter implant positioning and soft-tissue ligament balancing ensuring patients walk comfortably within 24 hours of total knee replacement.
South-West Punjab's only dedicated centre for modular titanium megaprosthesis, saving natural limbs and functions in 95%+ of bone cancer patients.
Full cashless coverage for Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), Punjab Govt Health Schemes, ECHS, and 30+ private insurance networks with on-desk approvals.
Positive-pressure HEPA filtered theatres minimizing infection rates below international benchmarks with 24/7 dedicated critical care backup.
Fellowship-trained surgical directors from AIIMS & Tata Memorial providing compassionate, world-class tertiary care in super-speciality orthopaedics and medical oncology.

Senior Consultant & Clinical Director — Medical Oncology
MBBS (BFUHS Faridkot), MD Radiation Oncology (BFUHS Faridkot), DrNB Medical Oncology (Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad), Precision Oncology (Harvard, USA), Ex Consultant RGCI New Delhi


Senior Consultant & Clinical Director — Orthopaedic Oncology & Robotic Joint Surgery
16+ Yrs ExpSenior Consultant & Clinical Director — Orthopaedic Oncology & Robotic Joint Surgery
MBBS (TNMC Mumbai), DNB Orthopaedics (PGI & SP Miraj), Fellowship Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy (Fortis Hospital, New Delhi), Fellowship Orthopaedic Oncology (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi)
Free OPD screening camps, director-led masterclasses, and national oncology representations by Spica Healthcare.
Real stories from patients who recovered through limb preservation surgery, 3D robotic joint replacements, and precision cancer care at Spica Healthcare — Grover Hospital, Bathinda.
Evidence-based surgical recovery roadmaps, robotic joint protocols, and precision oncology insights written by our clinical directors.