Vincent Hunsicker of Lehighton faced death twice in 2019.

He looked into the eyes of a raging hippopotamus charging his jeep during an African safari.

Several months later, he was diagnosed with cancer.

Today, he’s in remission thanks to aggressive but potentially heart-harmful treatment. Determined to see his grandchildren, now toddlers, grow up, he is now seeing cardio-oncologist Michael McCulloch, MD, who will monitor his condition for early signs of heart disease and begin treatment as needed.

In August, Dr. McCulloch joined the nationally recognized team of cardiologists at St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular Center.

Recently, St. Luke’s University Hospital was named to Fortune magazine’s list of 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals nationwide. Dr. McCulloch works closely with primary care physicians, other cardiologists, and oncologists in diagnosing and caring for heart patients receiving cancer treatment currently or in the past.

Heart health during cancer

Cancer therapy saves lives, but the disease and its treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can in some cases take a toll on the heart, said Dr. McCulloch of St. Luke’s Cardiology Associates. Sometimes, the effects do not surface until years, or even decades, later.

“There are certain cancers where people are more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than the cancer itself, ” he said. “Patients with cardiac risk factors may benefit by following with a cardio-oncologist who can identify complications and begin treatment early to slow the progression of heart disease and increase survival and quality of life.”

In 2019, Hunsicker, who works at St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus, had no idea he had cancer. He and a co-worker, a photographer, had gone to Botswana to take photos. His biggest health concern was a bum knee, so he had a knee replacement. Then, two weeks later, he fell, hit his head and suffered a seizure.

Two weeks later, he was diagnosed with large b-cell lymphoma.

Under the supervision of oncologist Taman Habib, MD, in November, he began chemotherapy sessions, each taking eight to 10 hours. Then, he had 18 treatments with radiation oncologist Grace Fan, MD. She discharged Hunsicker in January but suggested he schedule an appointment with Dr. McCulloch.

Dr. McCulloch thoroughly evaluated Hunsicker’s case, reviewing test results and treatments to develop a comprehensive cardiac plan.

During the meeting, Dr. McCulloch explained that he would continue to monitor his condition through periodic tests and appointments and would begin treatment at the first sign of heart disease.

What does a cardio-oncologist do?

As a cardio-oncologist, Dr. McCulloch:

• Treats heart conditions caused or worsened by cancer and its treatment.

• Evaluates heart patients newly diagnosed with cancer and develops a plan of treatment that minimizes risks to the cardiovascular system.

• Prescribes medications to strengthen patients’ hearts so they can tolerate the most aggressive cancer treatments.

• Advises patients and their care teams on which chemotherapies are safest for the heart and which pose too much risk.

• Provides long-term monitoring of cancer patients at risk for developing heart complications, especially those who have received chest radiation or have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obesity.

Dr. McCulloch explained that cardio-oncologists are cardiologists with experience and knowledge of cancer treatment’s effect on the heart.

After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completing a residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. McCulloch completed a fellowship in cardiology and advanced heart failure at Cleveland Clinic. He specialized in cardio-oncology because of the need for specialists who understand the connection between cancer treatment and heart disease. He recalled a patient who had cancer treatment and then developed heart disease that went undiagnosed for years. By the time Dr. McCulloch saw the man, his heart had been irreparably damaged. Earlier treatment may have improved and lengthened his life.

Dr. McCulloch moved to the area to be closer to his family in New Jersey.

“I decided to join St. Luke’s because it is one of the best health systems in the entire region,” he said. “I have found the patients very nice, friendly and engaged in improving their health.”

Hunsicker, who fits that description, is comforted knowing Dr. McCulloch is monitoring his condition and able to take any steps to optimize his health so he can focus on enjoying life.

In April, he’ll attend a photo exposition in Norway.