Targeting CD47 to Mitigate Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer
Radiation improves survival for most breast cancer patients but can unintentionally expose the heart to damage and cause serious problems years later. We analyzed gene activity in these tissues to understand the reasons why. We found an increase in activated fibroblasts, a type of cell which is known to contribute to heart scarring and poor heart function, and a rise in a protein called CD47, which prevents the immune system from removing damaged or harmful cells. We observed this in human heart samples and in mice exposed to radiation. We therefore believe that cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy increase CD47 in the heart, leading to the buildup of harmful fibroblasts and heart damage. We plan to test whether blocking CD47 can protect the heart during cancer treatment. Our goal is to find new ways to prevent or treat heart problems in breast cancer survivors while also improving cancer treatment.
