​Dr Balindiwe Sishi has always been fascinated about the functioning of the human body, not only when it functions well but also during disease.

As a senior lecturer at the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University, Sishi hopes that her research in cardio-oncology not only brings awareness and change, but that her work also inspires other young women scientists to follow their passion.

As part of South Africa's Women's Month celebrations, Sishi shares insight into her innovative research.

1.      Can you tell us more about your research?

My research interests lie in the field of Cardio-Oncology where my students and I investigate the mechanisms of how Doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, damages the heart to determine effective ways in which to protect it. This damage is known as cardiotoxicity and can manifest within weeks, months, years or even decades after chemotherapy. While numerous analogues of DOX have been produced, none has proved superior in terms of their cytotoxic action and cardio toxic side effects. Since the cytotoxic mechanism of action of DOX has been differentiated from its cardio toxic effects, there is hope that treatment strategies can be designed to target the adverse side effects of DOX without jeopardizing its cytotoxic action.

2.      Why or how did you become interested in this specific area of research?

This specific area of research was my PhD topic and the motivation stemmed from the fact that the administration of DOX, as the most effective anticancer drug, leads to the development of heart failure (HF) by mechanisms that are not fully understood. HF is in itself a clinically complex syndrome with a number of causes; despite aggressive treatments, it still leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the prevention of HF is a very important clinical and public health priority. Due to this condition being costly, disabling and potentially lethal, there is a need for novel adjuvant therapies that act in ways unlike those that are currently established. Considering that the side effects of DOX have been known for decades, there is still much to learn and reveal within this field. I also found it unfair that you treat one disease only to get another as a result of the medication that was used to treat the previous disease.

3.      Why do you think this is such an important area of research for South African women?

While each researcher has their own research interests, the field of Cardio-Oncology is unique; it not only embraces both cardiovascular disease and cancer, it is a team-based approach involving different specialists working together for the prevention, early detection and management of cardiovascular disease in cancer patients throughout all stages of cancer therapy including the survivorship period. These non-communicable diseases are the world's leading causes of death accounting for millions of fatalities annually. While the African continent, including South Africa, leads with communicable diseases (such as HIV/AIDS), the non-communicable diseases contribute significantly to the number of lives lost. DOX is a primary treatment regimen for the management of solid and haematological malignancies, particularly breast cancer, and it is for this reason that breast cancer survivors may face a second threat, which is heart failure.

4.      What would you consider the greatest impact of your research on women in the country?

This is not an easy question to answer, as research impact equates to real change in the real world, and there are many different kinds of impact including attitudinal, awareness, economic, social, policy, cultural and health. Based on the above categories, I believe that my research fits into mainly the awareness and health categories. My young career as an academic researcher is to make a scientific contribution no matter how small, and communication of that knowledge is key to impact. You need to reach the audiences that can best build on or benefit from your work because your findings will not be able to deliver any kind of change if no one knows about them.

5.      Do you have any message for the next generation of women researchers?

As our very own Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, said: “Women should be given every opportunity and that is what we should be teaching these young girls: to take up space. Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself." While this message was directed to young girls, it is certainly applicable for the next generation of women scientists/researchers. Do what you love, make an impact and make a difference in your society.