Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Shows Promise in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Strategic Insights -

A study conducted at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, has shown that a cardiac rehabilitation program can significantly reduce the risk of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer. The researchers, led by Ahmed K. Araquib, used two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to assess the effects of the program on left ventricular systolic function in 100 female patients with de novo breast cancer. The patients were divided into two groups: one that received the cardiac rehabilitation program in addition to their regular chemotherapeutic drugs, and another that received chemotherapy only.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 100 female patients with de novo breast cancer, aged 40-65 years, who were treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
  • Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (n = 50) received the cardiac rehabilitation program in addition to their regular chemotherapeutic drugs, while Group 2 (n = 50) received chemotherapy only.
  • Standard 2-dimensional echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography for assessment of left ventricle global longitudinal strain were performed to all patients before receiving chemotherapy and at 3 and 6 months after.
  • At 3 months, no significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 as regards left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial volume index.
  • However, a significant difference was observed as regards E/E' (5.25 (4.5-5.5) in Group 1 vs. 7.5 (5-9.5) in Group 2 with P value 0.01) and also in the average global longitudinal strain between the 2 groups; (-18.81 ± 1.39 in Group 1 vs. -18.21 ± 1.43 in Group 2, P = 0.092).
  • At 6 months, ejection fraction showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (64.10 ± 3.52 in Group 1 vs. 59.46 ± 5.57 in Group 2, P 0.01) which was also accompanied by a significant change in average global longitudinal strain (-18.91 ± 1.39 in Group 1 vs. -17.89 ± 1.54 in Group 2, P = 0.001).
  • Cardiotoxicity was defined as a 15% change in average global longitudinal strain, and no cases were detected in Group 1, while 4 cases (8%) were detected in Group 2 with a mean change of global longitudinal strain (16%).

Statistics:

  • 100 female patients with de novo breast cancer were included in the study.
  • 50 patients were assigned to Group 1 (cardiac rehabilitation program + chemotherapy) and 50 patients were assigned to Group 2 (chemotherapy only).
  • At 3 months, the E/E' ratio was 5.25 (4.5-5.5) in Group 1 and 7.5 (5-9.5) in Group 2 (P value 0.01).
  • At 6 months, the ejection fraction was 64.10 ± 3.52 in Group 1 and 59.46 ± 5.57 in Group 2 (P 0.01).
  • The average global longitudinal strain was -18.91 ± 1.39 in Group 1 and -17.89 ± 1.54 in Group 2 at 6 months (P = 0.001).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Ain Shams University Reports Findings in Breast Cancer (Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy Using Two-dimensional Speckle ...). Chemicals & Chemistry. June 20, 2025; p 146.
  • Journal of the Saudi Heart Association. Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy Using Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography. 2025;37(2):9.
  • Ahmed K. Araquib, Sarah M. Abdelhady, Adel M. Shabana, Adel G. Hassanein, Ramy R. Elias. Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Anthracycline-based Chemotherapy Using Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography. Journal of the Saudi Heart Association, 2025;37(2):9.