Research Indicates Diabetes Drug Could Cut Heart Failure Risk by 50% in Cancer Patients
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Synopsis
Recent research suggests that a common diabetes drug may significantly reduce heart failure risk in cancer patients by 50%, supporting their long-term recovery. The study highlights the potential heart-protective benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors during and after chemotherapy.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes medication may reduce heart failure risk by 50%
- Heart failure is common among cancer patients
- SGLT2 inhibitors protect heart health
- Research involved 88,273 cancer patients
- More studies needed to confirm results
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) A widely used class of diabetes medication might assist cancer patients in reducing the risk of heart failure by 50% and enhancing long-term recovery, as revealed by a recent study on Thursday.
Heart failure is prevalent among cancer patients and can lead to diminished quality of life, numerous hospitalizations, or even mortality. It arises due to both the malignancy itself and the effects of chemotherapy, which is the primary treatment for cancer.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia in the UK discovered that a specific diabetes medication known as an SGLT2 inhibitor might offer heart protection during and after cancer therapies.
According to the study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, SGLT2 inhibitors can decrease the likelihood of heart failure and unplanned hospital admissions related to heart failure by over 50%.
The advantages were particularly notable for breast cancer patients undergoing a common type of chemotherapy known as anthracycline chemotherapy, which can have detrimental effects on heart health, the researchers indicated.
“Chemotherapy has played a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes. However, up to 20% of cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy develop heart issues, with about 10% experiencing heart failure,” stated lead researcher Prof. Vassilios Vassiliou from the University.
“We understand that SGLT2 inhibitors are acknowledged for their cardiovascular advantages. They can alleviate heart failure symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue, and also lower the risk of frailty among individuals,” Vassiliou elaborated.
To investigate whether SGLT2 inhibitors could provide heart protection during and post-cancer treatment, the research team examined 13 studies comprising a total of 88,273 cancer patients and survivors.
The analysis revealed that hospitalizations due to heart failure were halved. Furthermore, the emergence of new heart failure cases appeared to decline by over two-thirds (71%), indicating that these medications might safeguard the heart during and after cancer treatment.
Nonetheless, the researchers emphasized that additional studies are necessary to validate these findings.
