Heidelberg researchers identify way to protect heart from chemotherapy damage

Researchers at Heidelberg University have identified the molecular mechanism behind the heart damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. While doxorubicin is widely used to treat cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia, it carries a risk of cardiotoxicity that can lead to long-term heart failure.

Studies conducted by the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) revealed that approximately one-quarter of patients experience measurable changes in heart function following treatment. This risk is particularly high for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

In cell and animal trials, researchers discovered that SAHA (suberoylanilid hydroxamic acid), another approved cancer medication, can mitigate these harmful mechanisms in heart muscle cells. The findings, published in ‘Nature Communications’, suggest that SAHA could serve as a protective agent against doxorubicin-induced heart damage.