Cardio-oncology is an emerging multi-disciplinary field, which aims to reduce morbidity and mortality of cancer patients by preventing and managing cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicities. With the exponential growth in cancer and cardiovascular diseases in Asia, there is an emerging need for cardio-oncology awareness among physicians and country-specific cardio-oncology initiatives. In this state-of-the-art review, we sought to describe the burden of cancer and cardiovascular disease in Asia, a region with rich cultural and socio-economic diversity. From describing the uniqueness and challenges (such as socio-economic disparity, ethnical and racial diversity, and limited training opportunities) in establishing cardio-oncology in Asia, and outlining ways to overcome any barriers, this article aims to help advance the field of cardio-oncology in Asia.

Background: Perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has both benefits and harms. Our aim was to study the association between perioperative RBC transfusion and its adverse outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent isolated CABG in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, from 1 January 2013 until 31 December 2017. Data were collected from medical records, and comparisons were made between patients who received perioperative RBC transfusions and those who did not have adverse outcomes after CABG. Results: A total of 108 patients who underwent isolated CABG were included in our study, and 78 patients received perioperative RBC transfusions. Patients who received perioperative RBC transfusions compared to those who did not were significantly more likely to develop prolonged ventilatory support (21.8% versus 0%, P = 0.003), cardiac morbidity (14.1% versus 0%, P = 0.032), renal morbidity (28.2% versus 3.3%, P = 0.005) and serious infection (20.5% versus 3.3%, P = 0.037). With each unit of packed RBC transfusions, there was a significantly increased risk of prolonged ventilatory support (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.77; P < 0.001), cardiac morbidity (AOR =1.40; 95%CI = 1.01–1.79; P = 0.007), renal morbidity (AOR = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.03–1.45; P = 0.019) and serious infection (AOR = 1.31; 95%CI = 1.07–1.60; P = 0.009). Conclusion: Perioperative RBC transfusion in isolated CABG patients is associated with increased risks of developing adverse events such as prolonged ventilatory support, cardiac morbidity, renal morbidity and serious infection.