Cambridge hospitals test cancer drug to lower heart attack risk

Researchers at Cambridge University have conducted a study involving 60 heart patients at Addenbrooke’s and Royal Papworth hospitals, testing the effects of the cancer drug aldesleukin. The patients received either the drug or a placebo over an eight-week period. The results indicated that low doses of aldesleukin significantly reduced inflammation in the arteries, which is a known risk factor for heart disease and subsequent heart attacks. Specifically, inflammation decreased by 7.7% overall and by 8.3% in the most inflamed arteries. The findings suggest that the impact of aldesleukin on inflammation is comparable to that of high-dose statins, which are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol levels and reduce heart attack risks. This is particularly promising for the approximately 100,000 heart attack patients in the UK each year who face a 10-20% risk of experiencing a second heart attack or stroke. Prof. Ziad Mallat, one of the study authors, expressed optimism that if these results are confirmed in larger trials, aldesleukin could be integrated into standard post-heart attack care within the next five to ten years. The potential for this treatment to change the landscape of heart attack recovery is significant. Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan from the British Heart Foundation highlighted the transformative potential of such a treatment, emphasizing its importance in addressing heart disease. The study opens new avenues for research and treatment strategies aimed at reducing heart attack risks through innovative uses of existing medications.