Understanding heart risks from radiation therapy in lung cancer patients

Mechanistic Risk Prediction of Radiation Therapy Cardiotoxicity

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10880405

This study is looking at how radiation therapy for lung cancer might affect your heart, and it aims to find ways to tell which patients might be more at risk for heart problems, so we can help keep you safer during treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880405 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how radiation therapy (RT) for lung cancer can lead to heart-related issues, specifically cardiovascular toxicity. It aims to identify biological and imaging markers that can predict which patients are at higher risk for these adverse effects. By studying a diverse group of lung cancer patients undergoing treatment, the research will explore the mechanisms behind heart damage caused by RT and how to better protect patients. The approach includes detailed monitoring of inflammation, oxidative stress, and heart function over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing definitive thoracic chemoradiation treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancer who are not receiving radiation therapy or those with pre-existing severe cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for minimizing heart risks in lung cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity in cancer treatments can lead to better patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer CauseCancer ControlCancer Control ScienceCancer EtiologyCancer Patient
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.