Cancer-related diseases and the number of people living with a cancer diagnosis are on the rise. Therefore, there is a greater need for healthcare providers to recognize the adverse effects of cancer therapies on the heart. Proper knowledge of cardiovascular toxic effects of cancer therapies, interpretation, and management are needed.
In this presentation, Dr. Yan Liu introduces cardio-oncology, a novel specialty, and its role in the prevention and reduction of treatment-related cardiac dysfunctions in cancer patients and survivors, and how cardio-oncology care can optimize overall patient outcomes and quality of life can be achieved. Additionally, Emily Williams will share her lived experience, including the physical, mental, and emotional impacts associated with her diagnoses.
Yan Liu, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director of Cardio-Oncology
Ascension Texas
Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Liu’s research is focused on the novel molecular pathways in cardiovascular disease and cancer, leading to innovative therapies and groundbreaking drug development in cardiovascular disease and cardio-oncology. He served as a principal investigator in many investigator-initiated original research funded by national non-profit agencies. He has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed scientific papers with over 3000 citations. He is an inventor on several patents that led to two clinical-stage publicly traded biopharmaceutical companies, and an FDA-approved, guideline-recommended, first-in-class chemoprotection drug – the first chemoprotection drug approved by FDA in the last two decades, a first-in-class drug in its novel category for cutting-edge prevention of chemotherapy-induced toxicity and disability.
Dr. Liu’s prior research established the first molecular mechanisms linking cancer and heart disease at the molecular level, setting the foundation for cardio-oncology as a novel clinical specialty. His most recent innovation involves a novel cardio-oncology service line care model in improving cardio-oncology care quality, patient access, and health equity in large, multi-hospital health systems, paving the way for the next stage of cardio-oncology care to the general population worldwide.
Dr. Liu is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). He has served on numerous academic committees, editorial boards, and scientific boards, including the cardio-oncology advisory board at Pfizer, the editorial board of ‘Cardio-Oncology’ journal, ACO Board member at Bayview Health, the expert panel at Texas Medical Board, and is a past president of Texas Medical Association Burnet & Lampasas County Medical Society. Dr. Liu’s research and innovation have been featured by many major international/national media, including BBC World News, ScienceDaily, Yahoo! News, and WebMD.
Emily Williams
Cancer Survivor
Emily is currently a VP of Finance at Netwrix, a global security software company. She was diagnosed with hormone-positive breast cancer in 2022 at 11 weeks pregnant. After going through chemo and multiple surgeries, she successfully had her happy and healthy baby in January 2023. Emily has always been very active, working out through all of her cancer treatments. The cancer diagnosis motivated her to set a goal of completing all 6 of the Abbott World Marathon Majors; over the last year, she ran in the London, Tokyo, and Boston Marathons and has now accomplished this dream. Now she is focused on running a half marathon in all 50 states, with 19 states left to go.
