Diabetes Drug Could Aid Cancer Recovery & Heart Health

Thank you. Listen to this article using the player above. ✖

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 go on to develop heart failure – because of the cancer itself and also due to chemotherapy. This can lead to a reduced quality of life, multiple admissions to hospital or even death. 

But a new study published today shows that a type of diabetes medication called an SGLT2 inhibitor, may help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment.

A world first

This is the first time that any medication has been shown to be beneficial in reducing heart failure or heart failure hospitalization in cancer patients and survivors. 

The medication appears to lower the risk of heart failure and unplanned hospital visits related to heart failure by more than 50 percent.

The benefits were found to be particularly promising for breast cancer patients receiving a common chemotherapy type called anthracycline chemotherapy, which can affect heart health. 

Lead researcher Prof Vassilios Vassiliou, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School and Consultant Cardiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “Cancer is currently one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. 

“Chemotherapy has played an instrumental role in improving patient outcomes. But up to 20 percent of cancer patients who have had chemotherapy go on to develop heart problems, with up to 10 percent having heart failure. 

“We know that a type of diabetes medication called SGLT2 inhibitors are recognized for their cardiovascular benefits. They can improve the symptoms of heart failure such as breathlessness and tiredness, and also reduce people’s risk of becoming frail.

“We wanted to see whether SGLT2 inhibitors could help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment.” 

A ‘striking’ result for breast cancer patients

Analyzing 13 studies with a total of 88,273 cancer patients and survivors, the team found that hospital admissions for heart failure were reduced by half.

The effect was especially striking in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy, offering a promising breakthrough in patient care.

The number of new heart failure cases appeared to fall by more than two-thirds (71 percent), suggesting these pills might help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment, though the research team says that more research is needed to confirm these findings.  

Prof Vassiliou said: “What we found is that SGLT2 inhibitors may help protect the heart during and after cancer treatment. 

“These medications significantly lowered the risk of heart failure and reduced hospital visits related to heart failure.  

“The benefits are particularly promising for breast cancer patients receiving a common type of chemotherapy called anthracycline chemotherapy,” he added. 

“We hope that this type of medication could in future be used as routine for cancer patients.” 

Reference: Bhalraam U, Veerni RB, Paddock S, et al. Impact of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on heart failure outcomes in cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EJPC. 2025. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf026

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.