Evaluating heart risks in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Identification and Evaluation of Patients at Risk of Developing Cardiotoxicity After Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer, Lymphoma or Leukemia

Montreal Heart Institute · NCT04541212

This study is trying to see if chemotherapy for breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia can harm the heart and looks for signs that might show this risk.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment225 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMontreal Heart Institute (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations6 sites (Terrebonne, Quebec (QC) and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04541212 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify and evaluate the occurrence of cardiac toxicity in patients diagnosed with breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia who are receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy. It includes both prospective evaluations of patients scheduled for treatment and retrospective assessments of those who have received treatment within the last five years. The study will also investigate potential biomarkers of cardiotoxicity, including inflammatory response proteins and clonal hematopoiesis, through cardiac imaging and data collection. Safety will be monitored by reporting serious adverse events related to the study procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia who are scheduled to receive or have recently received anthracycline chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with known cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or significant cardiac conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and prevention of heart-related complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying cardiotoxicity in similar patient populations, indicating that this approach is supported by prior research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older at time of CT initiation
* Signed informed consent
* Patients with diagnosis of breast cancer,lymphoma or leukemia (including autografted subjects)
* Planned, ongoing or completed (within last 5 years) chemotherapy with anthracycline
* Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% pre-chemotherapy
* The participant is willing to undergo CMR scans and all other required study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known cardiomyopathy and/or LVEF \<50%
* Known heart failure
* History of myocardial infarction (MI)
* Clinically significant cardiac valvular disease
* Clinically significant pericardial effusion
* Allografted subjects
* Contraindications to CMR testing (Cohort A \& prospective evaluation for Cohort B):

  * Pacemakers, other metallic implants or severe claustrophobia
  * Weight \> 135 kg
  * Patients with a history of previous allergic reaction to gadolinium
  * Patients with history of seizure
  * Renal insufficiency (eGFR of \< 45ml/min/1.73m2 using the MDRD equation)
  * Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

Terrebonne, Quebec (QC) and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Leukemia

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.