Researchers Developed New Heart Risk Prediction Score
A clinical model improved the accuracy of predicting heart damage caused by chemotherapy treatments.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Researchers at the European Institute of Oncology have developed the RE-ACT score to better predict the likelihood of chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity. The tool provides a more accurate assessment of heart risks within the first year of treatment compared to existing systems.
Why it matters
Existing cardiotoxicity scoring systems are often too complex for standard clinical use, creating a need for more streamlined methods. By improving risk prediction, clinicians can better monitor patients receiving treatments like anthracyclines.
The study analyzed 2,612 patients in a derivation cohort and 819 in a validation cohort. The combined model achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.87, outperforming the HFA-ICOS score which stood at 0.76.
The players
European Institute of Oncology
This is a specialized cancer research and treatment center located in Milan, Italy.
The details
The RE-ACT score integrates baseline clinical data with cumulative chemotherapy doses and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recorded shortly after treatment. It is designed to be used alongside the HFA-ICOS tool to detect cardiac issues early.
Timeline
Retrospective study data was collected from June 1995 to May 2014.
LVEF measurements for the model were recorded within 1 month after treatment.
The model predicts cardiotoxicity likelihood within the first year of chemotherapy.
Follow-up for the HFA-ICOS risk assessment occurred over a period of 2 years.
The Big Picture
This study advances the clinical utility of the HFA-ICOS risk stratification tool. By refining how doctors measure cardiotoxicity, the research bridges the gap between complex diagnostic models and real-world bedside application.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy may see more precise monitoring of their heart health during the first year of treatment. This allows medical teams to identify risks earlier and potentially adjust care plans before symptomatic heart failure occurs.
The takeaway
Early identification of cardiac risk is essential for improving outcomes in cancer patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy. Using combined screening models helps physicians balance aggressive life-saving cancer treatment with necessary heart protection strategies.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in cardiovascular health on our Heart Disease page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
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