Racura Oncology (ASX:RAC) developed a blood-based molecular test to assess the potential of RC220, its proprietary formulation of bisantrene, a potent anticancer drug, to protect the heart from damage, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The blood test will quantify the protective effects of RC220 on the molecular pathways causing anthracycline cardiotoxicity, a side effect of chemotherapy, the filing said.

Bisantrene has proven clinical efficacy in a range of solid tumor cancers with lower heart toxicity than other widely used chemotherapies, the company said in a statement.