Identifying a new biomarker for heart damage from cancer treatment

Hemopexin as an Early Biomarker of Anthracycline Cardiac Toxicity

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11063992

This study is looking at a protein in your blood called hemopexin to see if it can help spot early signs of heart damage in cancer patients who are getting anthracycline chemotherapy, with the goal of finding better ways to protect your heart during treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063992 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of hemopexin, a protein in the blood, as a potential early indicator of heart damage caused by anthracycline chemotherapy, which is commonly used to treat certain cancers. The study involves analyzing blood samples from patients who have received anthracycline treatment to identify changes in protein levels that may signal cardiac toxicity. By using advanced techniques to measure over 1,300 plasma proteins, the researchers aim to improve risk assessment and develop better protective strategies for patients undergoing this type of cancer therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have been treated with anthracycline chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who have not received anthracycline chemotherapy or those with pre-existing severe heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of heart damage in patients receiving anthracycline treatment, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for chemotherapy-related cardiac toxicity, but the specific focus on hemopexin is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.