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A common type of diabetes medication could help cancer patients make a better long-term recovery, according to new research from the University of East Anglia.
Many cancer patients develop heart failure due to the disease itself and the effects of chemotherapy. This condition can significantly impact their quality of life, lead to frequent hospital admissions, and, in severe cases, result in death.
However, a new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that a type of diabetes medication known as an SGLT2 inhibitor may help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment. The paper, titled “Impact of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Heart Failure Outcomes in Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” presents groundbreaking findings.
This is the first time any medication has been shown to significantly reduce heart failure and hospitalizations due to heart failure in cancer patients and survivors.
Promising Results for Cancer Patients
The study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitors could lower the risk of heart failure and unplanned hospital visits related to heart failure by more than 50%. These benefits were particularly significant for breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy, a common treatment that can negatively affect heart health.
Lead researcher Prof. Vassilios Vassiliou, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School and Consultant Cardiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, emphasized the importance of this discovery.
“Cancer remains one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide,” he said. “Chemotherapy has been crucial in improving patient outcomes, but up to 20% of cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy develop heart problems, with 10% progressing to heart failure.”
He further explained, “SGLT2 inhibitors are already recognized for their cardiovascular benefits in diabetes patients. They help alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as breathlessness and fatigue, and may reduce the risk of frailty. Our research aimed to determine whether they could also protect the hearts of cancer patients.”
Large-Scale Study Yields Encouraging Findings
The research team analyzed 13 studies involving a total of 88,273 cancer patients and survivors. They found that hospital admissions for heart failure were reduced by half among those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.
The impact was particularly striking in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy, with new heart failure cases dropping by 71%. This suggests that these medications may provide significant cardioprotective effects, though further research is required to validate these results.
Prof. Vassiliou expressed optimism about the findings: “Our study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors could play a crucial role in protecting the hearts of cancer patients before, during, and after chemotherapy. We hope that, in the future, these medications will become a routine part of cancer treatment.”
International Collaboration
This research was conducted by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato (Italy), La Paz University Hospital (Spain), Quiron Pozuelo University Hospital (Spain), and the University of Milan (Italy).
Looking Ahead
While the findings are promising, researchers emphasize that further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in cancer patients. If validated, these drugs could offer a new strategy for improving the long-term health of cancer survivors.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their treatment plans.
