Investigating how mitochondrial injury contributes to heart problems caused by cancer treatment

Defining the role of mitochondrial injury in MEK inhibitor cardiotoxicity

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10906162

This study is looking into how the cancer treatment Trametinib might affect heart health, especially for patients with melanoma or triple negative breast cancer, to better understand any heart problems it could cause and find ways to help prevent them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906162 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the heart-related side effects caused by a cancer treatment called Trametinib, which is used to target specific cancer pathways. The study aims to explore how this treatment can lead to mitochondrial injury in heart cells, potentially causing heart dysfunction. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, researchers hope to identify the reasons behind these adverse effects and develop strategies to mitigate them. Patients receiving Trametinib for conditions like melanoma or triple negative breast cancer may be particularly affected by these heart issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients being treated with Trametinib for melanoma or triple negative breast cancer who may be at risk for heart complications.

Not a fit: Patients not receiving Trametinib 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 improved safety and management of heart-related side effects in patients undergoing treatment with Trametinib.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of Trametinib-related cardiotoxicity are not fully understood, similar research has shown that targeting cancer pathways can lead to unexpected side effects, indicating a need for further investigation.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 Breast Cancer CellCancer TreatmentCancers
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.