Выжившие после рака молочной железы могут безопасно прекратить пожизненный прием сердечных препаратов

Breast cancer survivors could avoid lifelong heart medication, research suggests First trial of its kind finds heart function remained stable after recovery from treatment-related heart problems one year after stopping medication 9 Sept 2026 Many  breast cancer survivors whose treatment caused them to develop problems with their heart function can safely stop their medication after their heart recovers and most won't need to continue treatment long term, according to a study 1  funded by the British Heart Foundation and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich. The trial involved 90 women who had recovered from heart problems caused by a specific type of breast cancer treatment. Most were in their 40s and 50s and would previously have been advised to stay on heart medication for life, due to fears their heart function would decline once the drugs were stopped. Everyone in the study was randomly assigned to either gradually withdraw from their heart failure medication (46 women) or to continue taking it (44 women). They were followed closely for one year with blood tests, quality-of life questionnaires and cardiac MRI scans to check whether their heart function had worsened. Researchers found that 98 per cent of the group who stopped taking their heart medication had no change in their heart function after one year, with only one woman experiencing a decline in her heart's pumping ability. Women who came off their medication also reported a slightly better quality of life at 12 months than those who continued, based on their scores on questionnaires designed to measure quality of life in people with heart failure. Overall, left ventricular ejection fraction remained stable in both groups (minus one per cent in the withdrawal group and minus 0.2 per cent in the continuation group) with no significant differences between the two groups after one year (withdrawal group 55.2 per cent compared to 55.6 per cent in continuation group). None of the women in the trial reported any heart failure symptoms, required hospital treatment or experienced any other heart problems during the trial. The women will continue to be followed up over the next five years to monitor their heart health. But the researchers suggest their findings can start important conversations between survivors and their doctors about whether they need to continue treatment long-term. Professor Charlotte Manisty, Head of Clinical Cardiovascular Science at University College London and consultant cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre and University College Hospitals London, led the trial, said, "Our study provides the first evidence that heart failure therapies can be safely stopped in survivors whose hearts have recovered, with the support of ongoing close monitoring. We hope these findings will be encouraging for survivors and their doctors, giving hope for a future free from treatment." Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist, added, "These findings will be hugely encouraging for the thousands of breast cancer survivors whose heart health has been affected by lifesaving cancer treatment. The study results give hope that many women will be able to safely stop medicines once their heart has recovered.” The study was also supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre: UCLH. References 1. Dowsing B, Dehbi H-M, Chung R, Pedra J, et al (2026). HER-SAFE: An open-label, randomised controlled trial to investigate the safety of withdrawal of pharmacological treatment for recovered HER2 targeted therapy related cardiac dysfunction. European Heart Journal. Want the latest science news straight to your inbox?  Become a SelectScience member for free today>> Tags Breast Cancer Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast and can spread to other parts of the body. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and targeted treatments are essential for improving patient outcomes. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best breast cancer research and diagnostic tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers. Frequently asked questions Show frequently asked questions Can breast cancer survivors safely stop heart failure medication after their heart recovers? The HER-SAFE trial found that 98% of women who stopped heart failure medication after recovering from HER2-targeted therapy-related cardiac dysfunction had no decline in heart function after one year. Researchers stressed the importance of close monitoring and will follow participants for five years. How can HER2-positive breast cancer treatment affect heart function? HER2-targeted treatments such as trastuzumab (Herceptin ® ) block cancer growth and spread, but cause heart function problems in around 10% of patients. Affected patients may receive beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to support recovery and have traditionally been advised to continue these medicines for life. What did the HER-SAFE trial reveal about stopping heart medication and quality of life? Among 90 breast cancer survivors, 46 gradually stopped heart medication and 44 continued treatment. Heart pumping ability remained stable in both groups after one year, with no significant difference. Women who stopped medication reported slightly better quality of life, and none experienced heart failure symptoms, hospitalization or other heart problems.