Could the Gut Microbiome Shield Breast Cancer Survivors’ Hearts During Chemotherapy?
\As the survivorship curve for breast cancer continues to rise, more patients face long-term concerns—particularly regarding heart health and cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy. Now, groundbreaking research suggests a promising new ally may lie within us: the gut microbiome.
The Study at a Glance
Presented at European Cardio‑Oncology 2025, a European Society of Cardiology congress held June 20–21, this early-phase study enrolled 98 women aged over 60 from clinical centers in Cyprus, Greece, and Italy. Participants underwent:
Echocardiograms (including sensitive LV‑GLS measures),
Blood tests for cardiac biomarkers—NT‑proBNP and Troponin I,
Gut microbiome DNA sequencing prior to starting chemotherapy
The research uncovered compelling links between specific bacteria—most notably Bacteroides (within the Bacteroidaceae family)—and elevated heart‑damage indicators. Patients exhibiting higher levels of these bacteria had biomarkers and microbiome profiles similar to those seen in individuals with heart failure.
Why This Matters
Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is a serious threat—often hidden until long after treatment ends. This study unveils the gut–heart axis as a new frontier. If validated, the gut microbiome may serve as both a biomarker for cardiac risk and a modifiable target, opening the door to preemptive strategies like tailored probiotics to bolster heart resilience during treatment Science.
What’s Next
This initial insight is part of the broader EU-funded CARDIOCARE project (Horizon 2020, grant ID: 945175), which will scale the study to 600 women to confirm and expand upon these findings. Importantly, the researchers are already tracking the original 98 patients post-chemotherapy to observe long-term outcomes.
Bottom Line
This pilot study offers a transformative perspective: the gut microbiome’s composition may shape cardiac outcomes in cancer therapy. As cardioncology evolves, integrating microbiome science could lead to truly personalized, preventive care that protects the heart without compromising cancer treatment.
References
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
