New approach to reduce heart damage from cancer drugs
Novel Strategy of PDE5-mTOR Inhibition in Attenuation of Cancer Drug Cardiotoxicity
This study is looking at a new way to help protect the hearts of breast cancer patients from damage caused by a common chemotherapy drug, using a combination of two medications, sildenafil and rapamycin, to keep heart cells healthy while still fighting cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10857296 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel combination therapy using sildenafil and rapamycin to prevent heart damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) in breast cancer patients. The study aims to understand how these medications can protect heart cells from damage while still effectively treating cancer. By examining the effects of this combination on heart function and inflammation, the research seeks to improve the safety of cancer treatments for patients who are at risk of cardiovascular issues. The findings could lead to better treatment protocols that minimize heart-related side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult breast cancer patients who are receiving or have received doxorubicin as part of their treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with pre-existing severe heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of heart failure in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in reducing cardiotoxicity associated with cancer treatments, indicating potential for success in this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Anindita — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Das, Anindita
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 below.