Cardio-oncology Centre of Excellence celebrates milestone

One of Royal Brompton’s pioneering new medical initiatives has celebrated a significant event following a donation of £1 million.

Thanks to Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, the Cardio-Oncology Centre of Excellence at Royal Brompton marked the significant donation along with its first anniversary by hosting an important visitor.

The Centre, the first of its kind in the UK, was established in 2023 following the donation from The Big Heart Foundation, a UAE-based humanitarian organisation led by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah Emirate.

The Centre focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating heart complications that can arise from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. Combining leading-edge clinical care with advanced research, the aim is to improve outcomes for patients facing conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, and blood clots.

On Friday 11 October 2024, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi visited Royal Brompton to unveil a plaque commemorating the Centre’s anniversary. During her visit, she met with consultants, fellows and patients who have benefitted from the Centre’s work. The visit concluded with a dinner hosted by Her Highness to thank those involved in the project.

The Centre was also celebrated with a reception at the House of Lords, which brought together leading medical professionals and philanthropists to discuss the Centre's progress and its future role in shaping the rapidly evolving field of cardio-oncology.

Under the leadership of internationally recognised cardiologist Dr. Alexander Lyon, the Centre has won accolades, including the prestigious Gold Class Centre of Excellence award from the International Cardio-Oncology Society. This award reflects the Centre’s commitment to providing world-class care for patients experiencing the dual challenges of cancer and heart disease.

Dr Lyon said: “It is only with the support of generous funders such as Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi at The Big Heart Foundation that we have been able to achieve so much. Through their generosity, it will enable us to achieve more training, more research and advocacy in this growing medical field while improving outcomes for cancer patients and survivors worldwide.”

The Centre's influence extends far beyond the UK. It aims to create an international network for cardio-oncology by building a patient registry, promoting collaborative research, and fostering global knowledge sharing. There are also plans to incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance patient management and to establish the UK's first dedicated biobank for cardio-oncology research.