Effects of radiation therapy on heart health in breast cancer patients
Official title: Markers of Cardiotoxicity with Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10613352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of radiation therapy for breast cancer might affect heart health, so we can find out which method is safer for your heart while you’re being treated.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 28, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $397,439 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL152707-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10613352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, particularly those enrolled in the RadComp clinical trial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer or those with pre-existing severe cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy in breast cancer patients, focusing on how different types of radiation (proton vs. photon) may impact heart health. By analyzing changes in cardiovascular biomarkers and imaging results, the study aims to identify which treatment methods are safer for the heart. Patients will be monitored over time to assess early signs of cardiovascular injury and dysfunction. The research will involve a cohort of breast cancer patients participating in a larger clinical trial comparing these two radiation therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer radiation therapy options for breast cancer patients, minimizing the risk of heart damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy, but this specific comparison of proton and photon therapies is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ky, Bonnie — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ky, Bonnie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.