Gut Microbiome in Breast Cancer Patients May Help Prevent Heart Damage from Cancer Treatments

Recent research indicates that the composition of the gut microbiome in breast cancer patients might play a crucial role in protecting against heart damage, known as cardiotoxicity, caused by cancer therapies. The study involved 98 women over 60 from various European treatment centers, including Cyprus, Greece, and Italy. These women underwent echocardiograms to assess heart function and blood tests to identify biomarkers linked to higher risk of heart injury during treatment. Additionally, scientists performed genetic sequencing of gut bacteria to analyze their profiles before chemotherapy.

The findings revealed specific gut bacteria, particularly within the Bacteroidaceae family, were associated with biomarkers indicating increased vulnerability to heart damage. These bacteria's presence was similar to profiles observed in patients with heart failure, suggesting a potential link between gut flora and heart health during cancer treatment.

Dr. Athos Antoniades, leading the research, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting that certain bacteria in the gut might influence cardiac biomarkers and thus, the risk of heart damage. The study suggests a future where personalized probiotics could be developed to mitigate long-term cardiovascular side effects in cancer survivors.

The women involved in the study underwent detailed heart scans and blood tests, with genetic analysis revealing that an imbalance or overgrowth of certain bacteria, like Bacteroides, might contribute to inflammation and overall heart risk. This project, part of the broader CARDIOCARE initiative, aims to analyze 600 women to confirm these findings and explore probiotic interventions for heart protection.

The research was presented at the European Cardio-Oncology 2025 conference by the European Society of Cardiology. Ultimately, this work points to the promising potential of microbiome-targeted therapies to prevent or reduce heart-related complications in cancer patients, improving long-term health outcomes.