The Australian Cardio-Oncology Registry

Welcome to The Australian Cardio-Oncology Registry (ACOR), a groundbreaking institution located in Parkville, Australia. As survival rates for cancer continue to improve, the importance of addressing late effects, such as cardiovascular disease, related to cancer therapies becomes increasingly crucial. At ACOR, we focus on understanding and mitigating the long-term side effects of cancer treatments on the cardiovascular system.

Cardiovascular disease has emerged as the leading long-term side effect of cancer treatment. Patients may experience heart failure, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, metabolic disease, and vascular disease, all of which are known side effects that occur at higher rates than in the general population. Damage to the cardiovascular system can result from various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy (such as anthracyclines) and newer therapies like immunotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and proteasomal inhibitors. Even radiotherapy to the heart can have detrimental effects.

ACOR is a world-first combined pediatric and adult cardio-oncology registry designed to collect clinical, epidemiological, and pharmaceutical data for every patient treated with cardiac toxic therapies. Our national network consists of 13 tertiary institutes with established multisite Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC), covering both adult and pediatric sectors. This inclusivity, combined with our bench-to-bedside approach, sets us apart in terms of clinical reach and comprehensive research capabilities.

Our research studies within ACOR encompass a wide range of areas, including risk prediction through genetic analysis, biomarkers, metabolomics, and novel imaging techniques. We also focus on models of care, health economics, and quality of life to provide a holistic understanding of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular dysfunction (CRTCD). ACOR benefits from the expertise of a research core composed of leading experts in the cardio-oncology field. Additionally, we are guided by an advisory group consisting of patients, parents, and families, ensuring that our research aligns with the needs and perspectives of those who are directly affected.

Our primary goal at ACOR is to establish a research platform that enables us to gather longitudinal data on patients and develop further studies that improve outcomes for children and young adults at risk of CRTCD. Through our efforts, we hope to enhance the understanding of cancer treatment-related cardiovascular side effects and ultimately provide better care for individuals who have undergone cancer therapies.

Join us in our mission to advance cardio-oncology research and improve the lives of cancer survivors. Together, we can make a difference in the field of cancer treatment and survivorship.