Understanding heart risks from radiation therapy in lung cancer patients
Official title: Mechanistic Risk Prediction of Radiation Therapy Cardiotoxicity
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10880405 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $738,037 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL148272-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880405 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer who are undergoing definitive thoracic chemoradiation treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer who are not receiving radiation therapy or those with pre-existing severe cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ky, Bonnie — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ky, Bonnie
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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.