Understanding heart inflammation caused by cancer immunotherapy
Decoding T cell clonotypes, biology and predictive biomarkers associated with immune checkpoint Myocarditis
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11048143
This study is looking at how a serious heart problem called immune-related myocarditis affects cancer patients who are getting certain treatments, and it aims to understand the immune responses in their bodies so that doctors can find safer ways to help them continue their cancer care without heart issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11048143 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the serious heart condition known as immune-related myocarditis, which can occur in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study aims to decode the specific T cell responses and biological markers associated with this condition, using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and T cell receptor sequencing. By identifying the mechanisms behind this adverse effect, the research seeks to develop better strategies for managing and mitigating the risks of myocarditis while allowing patients to continue their cancer treatment. Patients may be monitored for immune responses in both heart tissue and blood samples to gain insights into this condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors who may be at risk for developing myocarditis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or those without a history of heart conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of heart inflammation in cancer patients, allowing them to safely continue life-saving immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on immune-related myocarditis is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring immune-related adverse events in cancer therapies, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VILLANI, ALEXANDRA-CHLOE — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: VILLANI, ALEXANDRA-CHLOE
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: anti-cancer therapy