Immune checkpoint drugs and faster buildup of heart artery plaques in cancer patients
Official title: Immune checkpoint inhibitors and accelerated coronary atherosclerosis
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11389288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will follow melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors to see if these cancer drugs speed up coronary artery plaque buildup.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,145,094 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159187-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with melanoma who are starting or already receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors, including patients with or without BRAF mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience changes in plaque burden or may be unable to complete follow-up imaging.
What this research studies
We will enroll melanoma patients and follow them with heart artery CT scans to track plaque changes over 12 months and 2 years. The study compares patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors to those treated with BRAF inhibitors, to see if the cancer drugs influence heart disease risk. Researchers will also examine whether immune-related factors in the blood relate to plaque progression. The project builds on previous animal and human data suggesting immune pathways can affect atherosclerosis. Participation may involve multiple CT scans and blood tests over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve understanding of cardiovascular risks for cancer patients on immune therapies and guide monitoring strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in animals and humans suggests a link between immune pathways and atherosclerosis, but prospective human data are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neilan, Tomas G — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Neilan, Tomas G
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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.