Identifying childhood cancer survivors at risk for heart problems using AI and ECG data.
Official title: Early Identification of Childhood Cancer Survivors at High Risk for Late Onset Cardiomyopathy: An Artificial Intelligence Approach utilizing Electrocardiography
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11059172 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a smart computer program that looks at heart test results to help find childhood cancer survivors who might be at risk for heart problems later on, so they can get the care they need to stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,774 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA261834-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059172 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are childhood cancer survivors who have received anthracycline chemotherapy or chest-directed radiation and are currently under active follow-up care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone treatment with anthracycline chemotherapy or chest-directed radiation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an artificial intelligence tool that analyzes electrocardiogram (ECG) data to identify childhood cancer survivors who are at high risk for developing cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. Given that many childhood cancer survivors treated with certain chemotherapy drugs face long-term cardiovascular risks, this project seeks to enhance early detection methods beyond current screening guidelines. By utilizing AI, the researchers hope to predict which patients may develop heart issues in the future, allowing for timely interventions to improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and management of heart problems in childhood cancer survivors, significantly improving their long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has demonstrated success in using AI to predict cardiomyopathy in similar patient populations, indicating a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akbilgic, Oguz — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Akbilgic, Oguz
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using ECG and AI to find childhood cancer survivors at risk for late cardiomyopathy
This project uses routine ECG tracings plus artificial intelligence to spot childhood cancer survivors who may develop heart muscle disease years later.
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Using machine learning to identify heart disease risk in childhood cancer survivors
This study is looking at how smart computer programs can help doctors find heart problems earlier in childhood cancer survivors who have had certain treatments, so they can get better care and stay healthier.
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Strategies to Find and Reconnect Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors to Adult Follow-Up Care
A nationwide effort to locate and re-engage young people who survived childhood cancer so they can keep receiving important follow-up care.
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STRENGTH: Time-restricted eating to reduce cardiometabolic risk in childhood cancer survivors
A program tests whether time-restricted eating can lower heart and diabetes risks for adults who survived childhood cancer.
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Family-centered communication help for young adult survivors of childhood cancer
A K08 grant to develop and pilot a tailored family-centered communication program to help young adult survivors of childhood cancer manage their ongoing care.
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Digital self-management and peer mentoring to help childhood cancer survivors transition to adult care
A digital, mentor-supported program helps young survivors manage their health as they move from pediatric to adult follow-up care.
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.