Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

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

This research aims to understand how certain chemotherapy drugs, called anthracyclines, can affect the heart in people with breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukaemia. The study will carefully check the heart health of patients, both those starting this chemotherapy and those who have had it recently. By looking at medical records and doing special heart scans, the researchers hope to identify who might be at higher risk of heart problems and find ways to predict this. This information could help doctors better protect patients' hearts during cancer treatment.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Montreal Heart Institute

Enrolment target

169

Start

02 Dec 2021

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Breast Cancer Lymphoma Leukemia

What is this study about?

When you have cancer treatment like chemotherapy, the main goal is to get rid of the cancer cells. However, some powerful chemotherapy drugs, particularly a type called anthracyclines (often used for breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia), can sometimes affect other parts of your body, including your heart. This study is all about understanding that connection better.

The researchers want to carefully watch patients receiving these treatments to see if and how their hearts are affected. They'll be looking at groups of people: some who are about to start anthracycline chemotherapy, and others who have had it within the last five years. By comparing these groups and looking at detailed information from heart scans and blood tests, they hope to find early warning signs or 'biomarkers' that show who might be more likely to develop heart issues.

This is an 'observational' study, which means you won't be given new medications or treatments as part of the study. Instead, the researchers will be watching and collecting information about your health and treatment journey. The goal is to learn more about how to protect patients' hearts in the future, making cancer treatment even safer and more effective overall.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand how certain chemotherapy drugs affect the heart.
It focuses on patients with breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia.
Researchers will use heart scans and blood tests to monitor heart health.
The goal is to find ways to predict and prevent heart problems in the future.
Participation involves observation and extra tests, not new treatments.
It could help improve heart protection for cancer patients in the long run.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukaemia. You must also be planning to have, currently be having, or have had chemotherapy that includes a drug called anthracycline within the last five years.

It's important that your heart is already in good health before chemotherapy. This means your doctor would have checked your heart's pumping ability, and it should be normal (a measurement called LVEF should be 50% or higher). You also need to be able to have specific heart scans, known as CMR scans, and agree to follow all the study steps.

You wouldn't be able to join if you already have known heart problems like heart failure, a history of a heart attack, or certain serious heart valve issues. Also, if you have a pacemaker, other metal implants, severe claustrophobia, or certain kidney problems, you might not be able to have the special heart scans, which would mean you couldn't be in the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have breast cancer, lymphoma, or leukaemia?
Are you having, or have you recently had (within 5 years), specific chemotherapy (anthracycline-based)?
Is your heart function currently considered normal by your doctor?
Can you have MRI scans (no pacemaker, severe claustrophobia, etc.)?
Are you able to agree to all the study steps?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be given any new medications. Instead, the researchers will collect information about your health. This will involve reviewing your medical records, including details about your cancer treatment and heart health.

You will also be asked to have special heart scans, called CMR scans, at different times. These scans help doctors get a very detailed picture of your heart. In addition, you might have some extra blood tests to look for specific markers that could show how your heart is doing. The study will involve a mix of looking back at past information and checking your health as you go forward. The exact number of visits or scans will depend on whether you are just starting chemotherapy or have already had it, but you will be told all the details beforehand. The total duration of your participation will vary depending on your treatment plan and when you joined the study.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part in this study is helping doctors learn more about how to protect the hearts of patients undergoing cancer treatment. While there are no direct health benefits to you personally from taking part, the information gathered could improve care for future patients. The risks involved are mainly related to the study procedures, such as having CMR scans (for example, slight discomfort or, very rarely, a reaction to the contrast dye). Any serious problems linked to the study will be carefully recorded. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (6)

Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM)
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
CIUSSS Ouest de l'ile de Montreal - St-Mary's Hospital
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal - Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest de l'Île de Montréal - Jewish General Hospital
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
Montreal Heart Institute
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
CISSSS de Lanaudière_Hôpital Pierre LeGardeur (referring site)
Verified postcode
Terrebonne, Canada

Common questions

What kind of heart problems are they looking for?

They are looking for 'cardiotoxicity,' which means any damage or weakening of the heart muscle or its function that can be caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.

What is an anthracycline?

Anthracyclines are a specific type of strong chemotherapy drug often used to treat cancers like breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukaemia.

Do I have to do anything differently if I join?

No, you won't need to change your treatment or daily routine for this study. You will mostly have extra heart scans and blood tests.

What is a CMR scan?

A CMR scan, or Cardiac MRI, is a special type of scan that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your heart, helping doctors see how well it's working.

Will my regular doctors still manage my care?

Yes, your cancer treatment and overall medical care will continue to be managed by your usual doctors and healthcare team.