SUMMARY
Joerg Herrmann, M.D., is a cardiologist whose research primarily focuses on the interaction of cancer and heart disease. In particular, Dr. Herrmann's work examines the potentially harmful side effects of cancer therapies on the cardiovascular system, a field known as cardio-oncology. Dr. Herrmann also has a great interest in vascular diseases, especially the development of atherosclerotic plaques and their complications. Related to this topic, his research also evaluates the interplay between inflammation and metabolism in macrophages, the predominant cell population in atherosclerotic plaques.
Focus areas
- Cardio-oncology: This research topic includes tumors of the heart, the impact of cancer and its therapies on cardiovascular diseases, and the impact of cardiovascular diseases and their treatment on cancer. A major focus is the prediction and mitigation of the cardiovascular toxicity risk with a class of cancer drugs known as anthracyclines, as well as targeted therapies.
- Atherosclerosis: Dr. Herrmann's main interest in this research area is in defining the role that inflammation and modulation of inflammation hold in the development and complication of atherosclerotic plaques. One particular interest is the regulation of inflammation by the immunoproteasome.
- Immuno-metabolism: The focus in this field has been investigating aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages and how this influences the development and complication of atherosclerotic plaques.
Significance to patient care
Understanding and managing cardiovascular toxicity risk enables patients to receive cancer therapies more safely, without interruptions and with the most optimal outcomes. Dr. Herrmann's research also addresses the unmet need for better therapies for cardiotoxicities, such as those occurring from anthracyclines, allowing patients a faster and more complete recovery of cardiac function.
In addition, improving the understanding of the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis enables the development of new therapies or better use of existing therapies to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Understanding the link between inflammation and metabolism is relevant to the vascular risk of patients with metabolic disorders, especially for those with diabetes.
Professional highlights
- Editor, Cardio-Oncology Practice Manual: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease, 2022
- Chair, Scientific Research Committee, International Cardio-Oncology Society, 2020-present
- Editor, Clinical Cardio-Oncology, 2018
- Research director, Division of Ischemic Heart Disease and Critical Care, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2013-present