Preventing heart damage from EGFR-targeting cancer drugs
Novel mechanisms and therapeutics for Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-induced Cardiotoxicity
['FUNDING_R01'] · BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE · NIH-11330172
This project looks for ways to prevent or reverse heart damage caused by EGFR-targeting cancer drugs like osimertinib for people treated for lung and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DUARTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team created a new mouse model that mimics the heart problems caused by osimertinib. They analyzed heart cells with single-nucleus RNA sequencing and found reduced levels of MYLK3, a protein that helps heart muscle contract. The researchers also exposed human stem cell–derived heart cells to osimertinib and saw the same contractile problems and loss of MYLK3 activity. Next they plan to test strategies to restore MYLK3 or its effects to prevent or fix the drug-induced heart dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who are receiving or have received osimertinib or other EGFR-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors, especially those with signs of heart dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart problems are unrelated to TKIs or who are treated with non-EGFR cancer drugs are less likely to benefit from findings specific to osimertinib cardiotoxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that prevent or reverse left ventricular dysfunction from osimertinib, making cancer therapy safer.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new and specific approach: while TKI cardiotoxicity has been reported, targeted therapies for osimertinib-related heart damage are largely untested to date.
Where this research is happening
DUARTE, UNITED STATES
- BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE — DUARTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RHEE, JUNE-WHA — BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE
- Study coordinator: RHEE, JUNE-WHA
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.
Conditions: Cancer Patient, Cancers