Could statins protect against heart harms induced by certain breast cancer treatments?

New population-based research suggests that amongst older women with early-stage breast cancer receiving anthracycline or trastuzumab (Herceptin®) therapies, statins may be effective at protecting against treatment-included heart failure. An estimated 25% of women with breast cancer will receive chemotherapy with anthracycline or a targeted therapy such as trastuzumab (Herceptin®). Though potentially lifesaving, these therapies can be associated with severe treatment-induced cardiac complications, including heart failure. New research, led by David Bobrowski (University of Toronto, ON, Canada), suggests that amongst women with breast cancer receiving anthracycline or trastuzumab therapies, statins may be effective at protecting against such treatment-included heart failure. Studies...