Diabetes Drug Shows Promise for Heart Protection in Cancer Patients

A class of drugs typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes may offer unexpected hope for cancer patients, especially those undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. New findings from the University of East Anglia suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors—known for their cardiovascular benefits—can protect cancer patients from developing heart failure, one of the most dangerous side effects of treatment.

Cutting heart failure risk in half

Published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, the study analyzed data from over 88,000 patients across 13 clinical studies. It found that patients and cancer survivors who took SGLT2 inhibitors were more than 50% less likely to suffer from heart failure or be hospitalized for cardiac complications.

What we discovered is that SGLT2 inhibitors can help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment,

said Professor Vassilios Vassiliou, lead author and cardiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

According to Vassiliou, the drug’s benefits were particularly notable for breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy—a common but cardiotoxic treatment. In this group, new cases of heart failure were reduced by more than 70%.

A new path for cancer care

Heart failure is a frequent and serious consequence of cancer treatment. Up to 20% of patients who receive chemotherapy develop some form of heart damage, and 10% go on to experience full heart failure. Until now, there have been few preventive strategies with such a promising impact.

Vassiliou explained in the original report from elEconomista:

These medications significantly reduced the risk of heart failure and reduced hospital visits related to this condition.

The research team emphasized that further trials are needed to solidify the results, but they hope SGLT2 inhibitors might eventually become part of routine care for cancer patients, offering a low-cost, dual-purpose strategy to safeguard long-term health.