A British Heart Foundation-funded clinical trial has demonstrated that the majority of breast cancer survivors may not require lifelong heart medication following cancer treatment, contrary to current standard practice. The study involved 90 women in their 40s and 50s across four UK hospitals whose heart function had recovered after receiving a specific type of breast cancer therapy known to cause cardiac complications.
Researchers found that 98% of patients who discontinued heart medication showed no change in heart function after one year, with only one participant developing a problem with the heart’s pumping ability. The trial, led by Prof Charlotte Manisty at University College London and published in the Heart Journal, challenges the existing recommendation that survivors remain on heart drugs indefinitely as a precautionary measure. Women who stopped taking the medications reported improved quality of life in questionnaires administered during the study.
One trial participant, Lucy Shepherd from Hertfordshire, described the impact of discontinuing her medication following breast cancer treatment at age 33. She reported experiencing side effects such as low heart rate and fatigue while on the drugs, as well as psychological burden from ongoing medication management. After stopping the medication through the trial, Shepherd stated she no longer lives with the same level of fear regarding her health.
According to Cancer UK, nearly 60,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the UK. Approximately 15 to 20% of breast cancer cases are HER2-positive, and in about 10% of these cases, the treatment causes heart function problems. Researchers indicate their findings provide evidence supporting important conversations between survivors and healthcare providers about whether long-term treatment continuation is necessary. Participants will continue to be monitored over the next five years to assess their ongoing heart health outcomes.
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