Science
Glasgow study to help cancer patients at risk of heart problems
We are funding a new research project which aims to give new hope to cancer patients who develop heart problems as a side effect of their treatment.
Modern drugs can be very effective for treating cancer and there have been major recent advances in their development. However, some anti-cancer drugs cause high blood pressure and can impair the pumping activity of the heart, leaving patients at risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
But now researchers at the University of Glasgow have been awarded a grant of £282,000 by us to better understand what causes these side effects and to help find ways of treating and preventing them. Scientists also hope their studies will identify those patients most at risk and any early warning signs.
Dr Ninian Lang, a cardiologist, who is leading the project and is based at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, explains: “The outlook for cancer patients has improved dramatically over the years. However, the cardiovascular side effects of some treatment options are an increasing concern. We are working closely with colleagues at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre because we want patients with cancer to get the best treatment while minimising unacceptable heart and blood vessel side effects or risks.
“By looking carefully at the heart with a series of detailed scans, including MRI, we will have a better understanding of how often these problems happen. We think that at least some of these problems may be reversible if caught early but we need to know more about how and when they happen. Our research should help doctors to predict which patients are more likely to be affected and to develop better ways of preventing or treating them. There has never been such an optimistic time for anti-cancer treatment as there is now. This means that we need to be really focused on making sure that patients don’t swap a cancer diagnosis for heart and blood vessel complications.”
The project will run over the next three years and will involve regular scanning and monitoring of cancer patients before, during and after treatment.
Margaret's story
72 year old Margaret Neil is one of those taking part in Dr Lang’s study. Diagnosed with renal cell cancer, she was put on a cancer inhibitor drug but within four weeks her heart function went from normal to severe dysfunction. The change was picked up during image scanning as part of the research project.
“I was knocked off my feet,” explained Margaret. “Having never had a history of heart problems, I suddenly found myself getting very breathless. I was really weak. I could hardly walk and when I did I needed to use a stick. I felt awful.
“Thankfully because I was in the study, it was picked up by the doctors who identified the problems it was creating for my heart and I was taken off the treatment. I don’t think I would be sitting here today if it hadn’t been for them.”
Margaret has since been moved on to immunotherapy treatment. Her heart function has returned to normal and she is now doing well.
“I am so grateful to everyone involved in my care,” continued Margaret. “I have three grandchildren that I want to be around for and I’m now feeling so much better.”
James Jopling, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “Coping with cancer treatment can be difficult but the side effects of heart failure, heart attack and strokes can have a devastating impact on patients who are already experiencing health issues. We very much hope this important work being carried out by Dr Lang and his team and funded by the BHF will help minimise this.”