Using carvedilol to protect the heart during breast cancer treatment with trastuzumab

TrAstuzumab Cardiomyopathy Therapeutic Intervention with Carvedilol (TACTIC) Trial

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10784689

This study is looking at whether the heart medication carvedilol can help protect your heart while you're being treated with trastuzumab for HER-2-positive breast cancer, by starting it either before treatment or at the first signs of heart trouble, and comparing these options to the usual approach of waiting until heart damage happens.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10784689 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the beta-blocker carvedilol can help protect the heart from damage caused by trastuzumab, a treatment for HER-2-positive breast cancer. The study will explore two approaches: starting carvedilol before trastuzumab therapy to prevent heart issues, or beginning it in response to early signs of heart problems. By comparing these methods to a standard approach where treatment is only given after heart damage occurs, the research aims to find the most effective way to minimize cardiotoxicity. Patients will be monitored for heart function throughout the treatment process.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are undergoing treatment for HER-2-positive breast cancer with trastuzumab.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving trastuzumab or those with pre-existing severe heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of heart damage in breast cancer patients receiving trastuzumab.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that beta-blockers can be effective in reducing heart-related side effects in cancer treatments, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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.
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.