Understanding heart inflammation caused by cancer immunotherapy
Immunologic and Antigenic Drivers of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Myocarditis
This study is looking at how certain cancer treatments can sometimes cause heart inflammation called myocarditis, and it's for patients who are receiving these immunotherapy drugs; the researchers want to understand how this happens so they can help improve care for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082466 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune-related heart inflammation, known as myocarditis, that can occur in patients receiving cancer immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors. The team, consisting of experts in cardiology and cancer biology, aims to identify the immune mechanisms and specific immune cells involved in this condition. By using pre-clinical mouse models that mimic human myocarditis, they will explore how these therapies can inadvertently trigger autoimmune responses in the heart. The findings could lead to better management strategies for patients experiencing these adverse effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors who may be at risk for myocarditis.
Not a fit: Patients not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or those without a history of heart issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients who develop heart inflammation as a side effect of cancer immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses in similar contexts can lead to significant advancements in managing adverse effects of cancer therapies.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balko, Justin M — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Balko, Justin M
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.