Nebivolol to protect the heart during trastuzumab treatment for HER2‑positive breast cancer

Evaluation of the Cardioprotective Effect of Nebivolol on Trastuzumab-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients

Phase 2 Interventional Ain Shams University · NCT07233499

This study will test whether taking nebivolol 5 mg can prevent drops in heart function in adults with newly diagnosed early or locally advanced HER2‑positive breast cancer who are starting trastuzumab.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAin Shams University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionstrastuzumab, chemotherapy, doxorubicin
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT07233499 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults (≥18 and ≤65) with newly diagnosed early or locally advanced HER2‑positive breast cancer and a normal baseline LVEF (>50%) will receive nebivolol 5 mg while starting HER2‑directed therapy including trastuzumab. Cardiac function will be followed with echocardiography and clinical exams to detect left ventricular dysfunction or signs of heart failure during treatment. Patients already on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, CCBs, or other beta‑blockers, and those with preexisting cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease, are excluded to isolate the effect of nebivolol. The trial aims to determine whether nebivolol reduces trastuzumab‑associated declines in LVEF and symptomatic heart failure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (18–65) with newly diagnosed early or locally advanced HER2‑positive breast cancer, normal baseline LVEF (>50%), not taking ACE inhibitors/ARBs/CCBs or other beta‑blockers, and able to attend echocardiographic monitoring in Cairo.

Not a fit: Patients older than 65, those with existing cardiomyopathy, ischemic heart disease, low baseline LVEF, current use of cardioprotective medications, pregnancy, or hypersensitivity to beta‑blockers are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, nebivolol could reduce trastuzumab‑related declines in LVEF and lower the risk of heart failure, helping patients stay on effective HER2 therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of beta‑blockers or ACE inhibitors for chemotherapy‑related cardiotoxicity have produced mixed results, and nebivolol specifically has limited prior data in trastuzumab cardioprotection.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years old.
* Newly diagnosed with early or locally advanced HER2 positive breast cancer.
* Normal baseline LVEF (˃50%)
* Planned to receive HER2-directed therapies as newadjuvant or adjuvant.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Elderly patients( ˃65 years).

  * Primary tumors other than breast cancer.
  * Pregnancy and breast feeding.
  * Currently using cardioprotective drugs e.g.: ACEI, CCB, ARBs and another beta blocker.
  * Presence of diagnosed cardiomyopathy currently or in initial evaluation.
  * Patients with ischemic heart disease.
  * Contraindication for treatment with beta blockers.
  * Patients with hypersensitivity to nebivolol.
  * Poorly echogenic patients.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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.
Conditions HER2-positive Breast CancerBreast cancerNebivololtrastuzumabHER-2 positive
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.