Investigating heart damage caused by cancer treatments using lab-grown heart cells.

Combined Cardiomyopathy, e.g., of Cancer Chemotherapeutics, and Proarrhythmia for Cardiotoxicity Clinical Trials-in-a-Dish (CTiD) with iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

NIH-funded research Vala Sciences, INC. · NIH-11142332

This study is looking at how some cancer treatments might harm the heart, using special lab-grown heart cells to see how chemotherapy affects heart function, which could help make cancer treatments safer for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVala Sciences, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11142332 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how certain cancer treatments can lead to heart damage, known as cardiotoxicity. By using lab-grown heart cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), researchers aim to study the effects of chemotherapy on heart function without relying on animal models. The approach involves measuring electrical signals and calcium levels in these cells to identify potential risks of arrhythmias and other cardiac issues. This innovative method could provide insights into safer cancer treatment options for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are undergoing or have undergone chemotherapy and are at risk of developing heart problems.

Not a fit: Patients who have not received cancer treatment or those without any history of cardiac issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer cancer therapies that minimize heart-related side effects for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to study drug effects, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
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.