Understanding heart inflammation caused by cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Pathogenesis of Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced myocarditis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11050243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cancer treatments can sometimes cause heart inflammation, and it's using mice to help understand why this happens so that doctors can find better ways to protect patients' hearts while they receive these therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $547,945 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289729-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients over the age of 65 who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or are under the age of 65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are used to treat cancer, can lead to inflammation of the heart, known as myocarditis. The study uses a mouse model that mimics human responses to these therapies, allowing researchers to observe the effects of these drugs on heart health. By examining the immune response and the specific T cells involved, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this serious side effect. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted therapies that can prevent or treat myocarditis in patients receiving immunotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and treatment options for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune-related adverse events can lead to better management strategies, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cihakova, Daniela — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cihakova, Daniela
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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.