Can a drug against cholesterol work as adjuvant in anticancer therapy? A novel therapeutic application of simvastatin against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA (PNRR)
Missione 4 Istruzione e ricerca - Componente 2 dalla ricerca all’impresa - Investimento 1.5
Bando a cascata nell’ambito del Programma di Ricerca e Innovazione dell’ecosistema dal titolo:
“THE - Tuscany Health Ecosystem” identificato con codice ECS00000017
Finanziato dall’Unione europea – NextGenerationEU
Progetto “CAn a drug against cholesteRol work as aDjuvant in anticancer therapy? A novel therapeutic applicatIOn of SIMvastatin against DOXorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity”
Acronimo: CARDIO-SIMDOX”
Codice Identificativo Progetto: ECS00000017- CUP: B83C22003920001
The CARDIO-SIMDOX project aims to investigate the cardioprotective role of Simvastatin in cancer patients treated with Doxorubicin, a highly effective chemotherapy agent limited by severe heart-related side effects. Cardiotoxicity, worsened by pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, is now recognized as a continuous process driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. Given the limitations of Dexrazoxane, the only FDA-approved cardioprotective drug, the project explores the repurposing of Simvastatin - commonly used to reduce cholesterol - for its additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Through a combination of in vitro studies and clinical data analysis, CARDIO-SIMDOX brings together expertise in molecular biology, pharmacology, oncology, and cardiology to develop innovative strategies that improve the quality of life for cancer patients and make Italy a key player in drug-induced cardiotoxicity research.
Doxorubicin (Dox), an anthracycline chemotherapy agent, is a highly effective cancer treatment, but its use is limited by cardiotoxicity, a serious side effect that can lead to long-term heart damage. This issue is particularly concerning for cancer patients with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Recent studies suggest that heart damage caused by Dox is not just an acute or chronic condition but rather a continuous process, driven by oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to progressive cardiac deterioration.
Currently, Dexrazoxane, the only FDA-approved cardioprotective drug for Dox treatment, has significant limitations, making the search for safer alternatives essential. Statins, widely known for their cholesterol-lowering effects, have shown additional benefits, including reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and the risk of cardiac hypertrophy. Among them, Simvastatin has demonstrated potential in protecting the heart from Dox-induced damage.
This project aims to explore the cardioprotective role of Simvastatin through experimental and clinical data analysis. By repurposing an already well-established drug, we seek to provide an effective strategy to mitigate chemotherapy-related heart complications. The study brings together an interdisciplinary team of experts in molecular biology, cardiology, pharmacology, and oncology to advance therapeutic solutions and strengthen Italy’s leadership in drug-induced cardiotoxicity research.
While drug repurposing presents an exciting avenue for accelerating therapeutic innovation, it also presents technical and regulatory challenges. Our team is committed to overcoming these obstacles and delivering innovative solutions to improve the well-being of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Tipologia Progetto: PNRR BAC
- MUR Istruzione e Ricerca Missione 4 Componente 2 – Investimento 1.4
- Soggetto Capofila: Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio”
- Principal Investigator: Gabriella Mincione
- Finanziamento concesso UdA: 159.610,00 €
Università degli Studi “G. d’Annunzio”
Prof.ssa Gabriella Mincione (PI) - gabriella.mincione@unich.it
Prof.ssa Raffaella Muraro - raffaella.muraro@unich.it
Prof. Nicola Tinari - nicola.tinari@unich.it
Dott.ssa Maria Carmela Di Marcantonio – dimarcantonio@unich.it
Università degli Studi di Salerno