Scientists have found innumerable breakthroughs in cancer treatments over time, however the progress is marred by one shortfall–the medications oftentimes cause cardiotoxicity, a serious side effect that greatly impacts the patient’s quality of life.

Cardiotoxicity refers to heart damage resulting from the unintended effects of cancer drugs. This damage can sometimes last long and even arise long after the treatment has ended.

Nevertheless, there may be some excellent news on the horizon. Scientists have identified proteins within the blood which can be linked to a high risk of developing heart diseases, that are affected by the drugs used to treat cancer.

By understanding the mechanisms of the notorious proteins, scientists hope they will develop recent treatments or modify existing ones to cut back the chance of cardiac toxicity and strive for higher treatments and outcomes for those affected by cancer.

The findings of the study, conducted by University College London experts, were published in Science Advances.

Not only the drugs, but treatments resembling chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the chest are also known to bring about a better risk of cardiotoxicity, in line with Cleveland Clinic.

Researchers performed a genome-wide association study on the DNA of nearly 37,000 individuals without heart disease to discover genetic variants linked to changes within the structure and performance of the center’s ventricles. Through a method called Mendelian randomization, they identified 33 proteins that were found to have links with developing several heart diseases, atrial fibrillation, and other conditions.

The outcomes highlighted that these drugs can have the potential to affect heart health in cancer patients.

The team is optimistic that their recent discoveries will open up recent possibilities for cancer treatments and alter the damaging effects on the center.

“The proteins identified in our study will help to speed up future drug development, offering scientists a blueprint for brand new treatments for each cancer and heart diseases. This can assist them to be more confident of the consequences of the drugs that they design – whether that is shrinking tumors without causing damage elsewhere or improving the center’s pumping motion,” the study lead writer Dr Floriaan Schmidt said, in line with Hindustan Times.

In some cases, chemotherapy can have dangerous consequences.
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Published by Medicaldaily.com