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Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in patients with cancer and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Novo G, Madaudo C, Cannatà A, Ameri P, Di Lisi D, Bromage DI, Galassi AR, Minotti G et al.

European heart journal. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, 2025

104 participants · 15 citations

Abstract

Aims: Cardiovascular disease and cancer represent significant global health challenges. An overlap between oncology and cardiology is compounded by cancer therapies, which are known to have cardiotoxic effects. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), initially developed for treating diabetes, have shown promising cardiovascular benefits in non-cancer populations, particularly in preventing heart failure (HF) and reducing HF-related hospitalization and mortality in large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction. However, their potential cardioprotective role in cancer patients remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing chemotherapy with concomitant use of SGLT2i compared with those not using SGLT2i. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore patients without baseline HF and patients treated exclusively with anthracyclines.

Methods and results: A systematic review identified 11 observational retrospective studies (n = 104 327 patients). Based on the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool checklist, two studies were at moderate risk of bias, while all other included studies had a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis indicated that the use of SGLT2i was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality [0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.67, P < 0.0001] and risk of HF hospitalization…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 104 participants or records.

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