The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Managing Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction

BackgroundAnti-cancer therapies currently available can lead to cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been shown to exhibit cardioprotective effects but its impact on CTRCD has not been evaluated. ObjectivesThis study evaluates the impact of GLP-1 RAs on all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and heart failure exacerbation in patients with CTRCD. MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort analysis using the TriNetX research network. Patients aged [&ge;]18 years with a history of cancer who received antineoplastic therapies and subsequently developed cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2023, were included. Patients receiving guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure were divided into two groups: those using GLP-1 RAs and those not using them. Propensity score matching (1:1) was applied based on demographics, comorbidities, and medications, resulting in a matched cohort of 1,223 patients. Outcomes over a 1-year follow-up were measured. ResultsThe study cohort found 12,410 patients with CTRCD of which 1,223 had received GLP-1 RA treatment (mean age: 66.4 years; 47.3% female; 65.9% White). Patients receiving GLP-1 RAs in addition to GDMT had a significantly lower risk of acute heart failure exacerbations, all-cause mortality, and all-cause hospitalization (OR: 0.566 [95% CI: 0.48-0.668]; P < 0.001). A clinically significant reduction in atrial fibrillation/flutter and ventricular tachycardia was observed in the GLP-1 RA groups, although did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionIn patients with CTRCD, adding GLP-1 RA therapy to GDMT significantly improves mortality and heart failure outcomes over 1 year.