Why some targeted cancer drugs can affect the heart

Mechanisms of Cardiotoxicity Associated with Covalent Kinase Inhibitors

['FUNDING_P01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11174549

This project will find out whether a heart protein called CSK explains why the cancer drug ibrutinib can cause irregular heartbeats.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11174549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If you or someone you know takes ibrutinib or similar cancer drugs, this team is studying how those drugs might harm the heart. They will use laboratory-grown heart cells and genetic tools to see if the drug hits an off-target protein called CSK. They will test cardiac effects in mice to look for heart remodeling and rhythm changes. Finally, they will examine clinical and pharmacovigilance databases to see whether the lab and animal findings match what has been reported in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People currently treated with ibrutinib or other covalent kinase inhibitors, especially those with a history of atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias, are the most relevant group for these findings.

Not a fit: Patients not taking ibrutinib or similar targeted kinase drugs or whose heart issues come from unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help prevent or reduce heart rhythm problems in patients taking ibrutinib and related drugs.

How similar studies have performed: Clinical reports have linked ibrutinib to atrial fibrillation, but linking that toxicity to CSK and combining cell, mouse, and database approaches is a relatively new and emerging direction.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.