Understanding Heart and Blood Vessel Problems from Cancer Medications
Modeling Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Induced Vascular Dysfunction Using Human iPSCs
This research explores why certain cancer drugs, called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can sometimes cause serious heart and blood vessel issues in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093580 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cancer patients benefit greatly from tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medications, but these drugs can sometimes lead to serious side effects like high blood pressure, heart attacks, or strokes. We want to understand why these side effects happen, as the reasons are not yet clear. Our approach uses special human stem cells to create models of blood vessels in the lab, allowing us to see how TKIs affect different heart and blood vessel cells. We will also use advanced genetic tools to identify specific targets that could help prevent or treat these unwanted side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to patients who are currently taking or may need to take tyrosine kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment and are concerned about potential cardiovascular side effects.
Not a fit: Patients not taking tyrosine kinase inhibitors or not experiencing these specific cardiovascular side effects may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat the heart and blood vessel problems experienced by patients taking tyrosine kinase inhibitors for cancer.
How similar studies have performed: The mechanisms behind these drug-induced vascular problems are currently not well understood, making this a novel and important area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Joseph C. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Wu, Joseph C.
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.