New Strategy Developed to Protect Heart Health in Cancer Patients

Researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) have made significant strides in addressing the heart-related side effects associated with a common class of anticancer medications known as anthracyclines. This innovative approach, detailed in the journal JACC: CardioOncology, focuses on utilizing the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin to prevent cardiotoxicity, a major concern for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Around 5% of patients treated with anthracyclines experience severe heart damage, which can lead to chronic heart failure. Despite the long-known risks of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, effective preventative measures have remained elusive due to a limited understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms.

Dr. Borja Ibáñez, the scientific director at CNIC, led the study, emphasizing the need for advancements in cardioprotective therapies. The research team employed an advanced animal model to explore the effects of a 20 mg daily dosage of empagliflozin on pigs receiving anthracycline treatment. Their findings revealed that this treatment preserved the contractile function of the heart and protected the metabolic health of heart muscle cells.

Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, the team effectively monitored heart performance throughout the study. This integration of cutting-edge technology into cardiovascular research underscores the potential for rapid translation of findings into clinical practice.

Notably, the protective benefits of empagliflozin appear to stem from its ability to enhance the heart's utilization of ketone bodies, thereby preserving ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production and mitochondrial function. Dr. Ibáñez pointed out that this treatment specifically targets the metabolic disruptions caused by cancer therapies.

The first author of the study, Danielle Medina-Hernández, highlighted the significance of their results, which indicate that empagliflozin can prevent structural damage to cardiomyocytes, including cellular atrophy and DNA damage. This suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may hold promise not only for treating heart failure but also as a preventive intervention for cancer patients at risk of severe cardiovascular complications.

This groundbreaking research paves the way for improved treatment protocols in oncology, potentially enhancing the quality of life for patients battling cancer while minimizing the risk of heart-related adverse effects.