Understanding how T-cells cause heart inflammation from cancer treatments

Identification of Causal T-Cell Mechanisms in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Myocarditis

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11007197

This study is looking into how certain cancer treatments can sometimes cause heart inflammation, and it aims to understand how specific immune cells might be causing this issue, so we can find better ways to protect the heart for patients undergoing these therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11007197 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which immune checkpoint inhibitors, used in cancer therapy, can lead to myocarditis, a serious inflammation of the heart. The study focuses on the role of specific T-cells that may become overly activated and cause damage to the heart tissue. By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell transfer experiments, the researchers aim to identify the pathways involved in this adverse effect. This could help in developing strategies to prevent or manage heart complications in patients receiving these cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with advanced cancer who are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and may be at risk for myocarditis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors or do not have advanced cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and management strategies for patients undergoing cancer treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of T-cell induced myocarditis are still being explored, there is ongoing research into immune-related adverse events from cancer therapies, indicating a growing understanding of this area.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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 Advanced Cancer
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.