Cardio-Oncology Clinic

The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic is one of the few multidisciplinary programs in the country dedicated to collaborative cardiac care for patients with cancer.

Heart disease and cancer are the number one and two killers respectively in the United States.

Patients with cancer have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can cause interruptions in cancer treatment, affect long-term quality of life, and impact overall survival.

Cardio-oncology is an important sub-specialty that takes care of patients with cancer who develop cardiovascular disease. The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic is one of the few multidisciplinary programs in the country dedicated to collaborative cardiac care for patients with cancer. We bring together under one roof an expert team of cardiologists, hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons to deliver comprehensive care to the people of Georgia and beyond.

In 2022, The International Cardio-Oncology Society designated our program a gold-level Cardio-Oncology "Center of Excellence," one of fewer than 35 gold-level centers worldwide.

What does Cardio-Oncology at Winship do?

The Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic anticipates, prevents, and manages heart diseases that can arise as a result of chemotherapy and radiation. There are many types of heart disease that can result from cancer treatment:

Heart failure or a weakened heart muscle
Heart attack or a blockage of blood vessels of the heart
Arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation
Valvular heart disease such as premature narrowing of the heart valves
Pericardial disease or complications of the lining surrounding the heart muscle

Our cardio-oncologists use a comprehensive approach, including cutting-edge diagnostics, to evaluate cancer patients and reduce the risk of complications from heart disease. They then work collaboratively with your oncology team to limit delays or interruptions in your cancer therapy while protecting your heart during and after your treatment.

Who should see a Cardio-Oncologist?

We recommend cancer patients who develop the following symptoms see a cardio-oncologist for a consultation:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Swelling in the legs
Palpitations
Lightheadedness

We incorporate an expert understanding of heart disease in the setting of cancer. We also provide tailored treatment for the following specific heart conditions in cancer patients:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG)
Abnormal echocardiogram (Echo)

If you are receiving any of the following cancer therapies, we recommend scheduling a consultation:

Anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunrorubicin, epirubicin, idrarubicin, mitoxantrone)
Traztuzumab (Herceptin)
VEGF inhibitors (sorafenib, sunitinib, regorafenib)
Radiation to the chest ( > 30 Grays)
Bone marrow transplant

Our program is dedicated exclusively to cancer patients, and we provide expedited access for cancer patients and oncology providers concerned about heart disease.

Services provided by the Winship at Emory Cardio-Oncology Clinic include:

Optimizing risk factors for heart disease prior to cancer therapy.
Management of pre-existing heart disease before starting cancer treatment.
Monitoring the heart during cancer therapy.
Treating acute heart problems during cancer therapy.
Follow-up of high-risk cancer patients for heart disease and prevention.
Participation in clinical trials on heart disease and cancer.

We place a strong emphasis on timely access and consultation. We understand that it is critical to be seen soon to prevent delays in your cancer treatment and protect your long-term heart health.

If you are a cancer survivor at risk of heart failure, or have developed cardiovascular disease, we are ready to help you.

Call us at 1 (888) 946-7447 or (404) 778-1900 to make an appointment. Winship experts are available to provide a second opinion.

We understand that this is a very stressful time. We welcome your questions and requests for help. Learn what to expect on your first visit.

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Cardio-Oncologist

Anant Mandawat MD

Dr. Mandawat is an expert in the early detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiac diseases in patients with cancer.
Director, Cardio-Oncology Program, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-1900

YACS Program Coordinator

Mary Batcha RN, BSN

Mrs. Batcha works closely with Dr. Natia Esiashvili and Dr. Susmita Parashar in coordinating care for young adult cancer survivors.
Coordinator, Young Adult Cancer Survivor Program, Emory Healthcare
mary.m.batcha@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 285-8838

Cardiologist

Kunal Bhatt MD

Dr. Bhatt specializes in advanced heart failure therapies, and has expertise in the diagnosis and management of cardiac amyloidosis.
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-5544

Cardiologist

Stephanie M. Cantu MD

Dr. Cantu specializes in the use of advanced cardiac imaging in order to evaluate and improve cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients and in patients with complex heart disease.
Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-5544

Pediatric Oncologist

Karen Effinger MD, MS

Dr. Effinger specializes in pediatric oncology survivorship, and in the late effects of childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation.
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
karen.effinger@emory.edu
(404) 785-1112

Radiation Oncologist

Natia Esiashvili MD

Dr. Esiashvili specializes in the treatment of complex pediatric cancers and hematological malignancies in adults.
Professor and Chief Quality Officer, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-3473

Medical Oncologist

Kevin Kalinsky MD, MS

A breast medical oncologist and researcher, Dr. Kalinsky treats patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Winship Cancer Institute.
Director, Glenn Family Breast Center, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-1900

Pediatric Endocrinologist

Lillian R. Meacham MD

Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
lmeacha@emory.edu
(404) 785-1717

Cardiologist

Adam J. Mitchell MD

Dr. Mitchell practices general cardiology with an interest in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.
Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-5544

Radiation Oncologist

Sagar A. Patel MD

Dr. Patel has expertise in the treatment of genitourinary cancer including prostate and bladder cancer, and specializes in brachytherapy and proton therapy.
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
winship.referrals@emoryhealthcare.org
(404) 778-3473

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