Researchers at Tufts University have uncovered immune cell activity linked to heart damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.
- CD8+ T cells infiltrate the heart concurrently with cardiac damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, potentially leading to future heart failure.
- Researchers from Tufts University found that doxorubicin can induce a pro-inflammatory response in the heart, which can cause chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
- The study showed that elevated levels of CD8+ T-cells in the blood after doxorubicin treatment led to inflammation and scarring of the heart muscles in mice, canines, and lymphoma patients.
- Blocking CD8+ T-cells from entering the heart may be a strategy to prevent cardiac damage associated with doxorubicin treatment.
- The research aims to develop prevention strategies to protect the heart while maintaining the effectiveness of doxorubicin in fighting cancer, potentially using chemokines as biomarkers for monitoring cardiac damage.
Source link
Oncology, Cardiology, Pharmacists