Improving heart safety during breast cancer radiation therapy
Official title: BReaTHS: Breast cancer Radiation Training for improved Heart Safety
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11110911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping women with breast cancer stay safe during radiation therapy by teaching them a special breathing technique that protects their heart, using a friendly system that supports them at home and during treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,124 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA300943-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive radiation therapy, particularly those receiving treatment to the left breast.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or those with pre-existing severe cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the safety of radiation therapy for breast cancer patients by reducing the risk of heart damage. It aims to develop a personalized system called BReaTHS that helps patients practice a technique called deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), which minimizes radiation exposure to the heart. Patients will be trained to hold their breath during treatment, and the system will provide support both at home and during therapy sessions to ensure consistent execution. By improving the training and execution of DIBH, the research seeks to lower the incidence of cardiac complications associated with breast cancer radiation therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in breast cancer survivors who undergo radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that techniques like DIBH can effectively reduce heart exposure during radiation therapy, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salwei, Megan Elizabeth — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Salwei, Megan Elizabeth
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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.