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The gut-heart axis in cardio-oncology
Nicole S L Chan1, Courtney Cross2,3, Joanne Bowen2
1Translational Nanomedicine & Biotherapeutics Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Adelaide University, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
Cardiovascular Research
|June 30, 2026
Summary
Cancer survivors face increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to gut microbiome alterations from therapies. Targeting the gut microbiome may improve heart health in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardio-oncology
- Microbiome research
- Cardiovascular disease
Background:
- Cancer survivors have a 40% higher risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Mechanisms linking cancer therapies to long-term cardiac complications are poorly understood.
- The gut microbiome is significantly altered by various cancer treatments, impacting cancer survivors' health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the link between the gut microbiome and cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD).
- To evaluate microbial metabolites as biomarkers for cardiotoxicity.
- To discuss microbiome modulation as a strategy for improving cardiovascular outcomes in cancer survivors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current evidence.
- Evaluation of microbial metabolites as predictive biomarkers.
- Discussion of microbiome-targeted modulation strategies.
Main Results:
- Cancer therapies profoundly alter gut microbiome diversity, composition, and function.
- Similar microbial changes are observed in non-cancer patients with cardiovascular disease.
- Microbial metabolites show potential for cardiovascular protection and as cardiotoxicity biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- The gut-heart axis is a key regulator of cardiovascular risk in cardio-oncology.
- Understanding gut microbiome alterations is crucial for preventing CVD in cancer survivors.
- Microbiome-targeted therapies offer a promising avenue for improving cardiovascular outcomes.
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