Practical guidance for echocardiography for cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction: 2026 focused update.

BACKGROUND

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) has become an important clinical issue with advances in cancer treatment and improved patient survival. The Japanese Society of Echocardiography previously published practice guidance in 2020. The present document provides an updated revision reflecting recent developments in cardio-oncology.

METHODS

This guidance was developed based on contemporary evidence, including the 2022 European Society of Cardiology cardio-oncology guidelines, recent clinical studies, and advances in echocardiographic and multimodality imaging technologies.

RESULTS

Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) are emphasized as essential parameters for diagnosing and monitoring CTRCD. The document provides standardized protocols for echocardiographic evaluation before, during, and after cancer drug therapy, as well as recommendations for long-term surveillance following radiotherapy. It also addresses cardiovascular complications associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly myocarditis, and highlights the importance of measurement accuracy, quality control, artificial intelligence, and three-dimensional echocardiography in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

This updated guidance offers practical and evidence-based recommendations for echocardiographic assessment in cardio-oncology, aiming to facilitate early detection of cardiotoxicity and optimize multidisciplinary management.