Predicting heart problems from cancer treatments
Using guided differentiation to predict cancer treatment related cardiotoxicity
This project aims to find genetic clues in heart cells that can tell us which cancer patients might develop heart problems from their medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121065 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking at how different heart cells react to common cancer drugs like doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and bevacizumab. By studying heart cells from many different people, we hope to find specific genetic markers that explain why some individuals are more likely to experience heart damage. This information could help doctors choose safer treatments for cancer patients in the future, tailoring therapies to each person's genetic makeup. Our goal is to create a genetic tool that can identify cancer patients at risk for heart toxicity before treatment begins.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on understanding genetic factors in a diverse group of individuals to predict cardiotoxicity in cancer patients receiving specific chemotherapy drugs.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer treatments do not include doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, or bevacizumab, or those without genetic predispositions to cardiotoxicity, may not directly benefit from this specific predictive tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a genetic test that helps doctors predict which cancer patients are at high risk for heart damage from their chemotherapy, allowing for personalized treatment plans.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of personalized medicine for drug toxicity is growing, this specific approach using guided differentiation and single-cell sequencing to build a transferable genetic classifier for cardiotoxicity is novel.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilad, Yoav — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gilad, Yoav
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.