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Beyond Hyperglycemia: The Role of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment-related Cardiac

Rebecca S Steinberg1,2, Ritika Tuli2,3, Shivani Reddy2,4

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Duke University School of Medicine Durham, NC.

US Cardiology
|August 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors show promise for preventing heart damage during cancer therapy. These drugs offer cardioprotection beyond blood sugar control through anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Emerging evidence suggests sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) possess cardioprotective properties.
  • These benefits may extend to mitigating cardiac dysfunction associated with cancer therapies, particularly anthracyclines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential mechanisms of SGLT2i in preventing cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction.
  • To synthesize observational data and trial evidence supporting SGLT2i as a primary prevention strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of proposed mechanisms (anti-inflammatory, oxidative stress reduction, metabolic reprogramming).
  • Analysis of observational studies and emerging clinical trial data.

Main Results:

  • SGLT2i demonstrate potential cardioprotective effects through mechanisms beyond glycemic control.
  • Evidence suggests efficacy in preventing cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients, especially those treated with anthracyclines.

Conclusions:

  • SGLT2 inhibitors represent a promising primary prevention strategy for cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction.
  • Further research and clinical trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and optimize use in oncology patients.
Keywords:
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitorcancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunctioncardioprotectionprimary preventionsecondary prevention

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