It’s a rare instance.
Researchers have identified a potential cause for rare heart damage seen in some cancer patients receiving immune-based treatments. These treatments, which harness the body’s immune system to fight tumors, can, in a small percentage of cases, trigger myocarditis—a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart. This new discovery also offers hope for preventing this serious side effect.
The study revealed that certain immune cells activated by cancer immunotherapy may target the heart, causing inflammation distinct from the immune response fighting the cancer. This distinction suggests that immunotherapies could be modified to specifically target cancer cells while avoiding damage to the heart, offering a pathway for safer treatments in the future.
Approximately 1% of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy, develop myocarditis. This number increases when patients receive combination therapies. Myocarditis can lead to severe heart issues, including arrhythmias and heart failure, with about half of the affected patients experiencing significant complications. Sadly, a third of those with myocarditis may not survive. Currently, treatment for this side effect is imprecise, with doctors attempting to suppress the immune system, which itself carries additional risks.
In their study, researchers analyzed blood and tissue samples from patients who developed myocarditis after receiving immunotherapy. They discovered that immune receptors in the heart were activated differently than those involved in fighting cancer. This finding opens up the possibility of targeting these immune responses separately, allowing for more precise treatment options in the future. Additionally, the study found patterns in the immune cells present in the blood that could help identify patients at higher risk for developing myocarditis, potentially leading to earlier detection and intervention.
While acknowledging the life-saving potential of immunotherapies, the researchers emphasize the importance of refining these treatments to reduce harmful side effects. The findings were published on November 6 in Nature, and the researchers are hopeful that these insights will lead to improved therapies that maximize cancer treatment benefits while minimizing heart-related risks.
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