Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Radiation-induced Toxicity of the Heart

This study is investigating heart problems that can develop years after patients have received radiotherapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy, for cancers in the chest area. These cancers include non-small cell lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, and breast cancer. The main goal is to find better ways to predict which patients are at higher risk of these heart side effects. Researchers are collecting information from various sources, such as detailed measurements from radiation treatment plans, special heart scans (like MRI, ECG, and echocardiograms), and blood tests. They want to see if these measurements can act as early warning signs or 'biomarkers' to identify potential heart issues up to five years after treatment. Understanding these risks better could help doctors tailor treatments to protect patients' hearts.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Technische Universität Dresden

Enrolment target

325

Start

01 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2039

Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Esophageal Cancer Breast Cancer Female

What is this study about?

When people have radiotherapy, sometimes along with chemotherapy, for cancers in their chest area, it can sometimes lead to side effects. One important area doctors are keen to understand better is how radiotherapy might affect the heart in the long term. These heart problems could appear several years after treatment has finished, and they can impact a patient's health and quality of life.

This particular study aims to find better ways to predict these potential heart issues. Currently, it's difficult for doctors to know which patients are most likely to develop heart problems after their treatment. The researchers are looking at different types of information, like detailed heart scans, blood tests, and information about the radiation doses given during treatment. They hope these can act as 'warning signs' or indicators that help identify patients at higher risk.

The findings from this study could be very important. If doctors can better predict who is at risk, they might be able to change treatment plans for individual patients or offer closer monitoring and preventative care. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the safety of cancer treatments and help patients live healthier lives after their cancer therapy.

Key takeaways

This study investigates long-term heart side effects of radiotherapy for chest cancers.
It aims to find early warning signs (biomarkers) through scans and blood tests.
Participants will have extra heart checks and blood tests over several years.
The findings could help doctors protect patients' hearts in the future.
Taking part will not change your cancer treatment, but involves additional monitoring.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adult patients, aged 18 or older, who have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, or breast cancer. For breast cancer, only women can take part. To be included, your doctors must have decided that you will be having radiotherapy, possibly with chemotherapy, as a treatment to cure your cancer.

There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. This includes if you are pregnant, or if you have certain medical devices in your body like pacemakers or some metal implants, which would make MRI scans unsafe. Also, if you have very poor kidney function or if your cancer treatment is only for comfort (palliative care) rather than trying to cure the cancer, you wouldn't be able to participate. You also need to be able to understand the study and give your consent to take part.

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 non-small cell lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, or (if female) breast cancer?
Are you receiving radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy) for a curative purpose?
Are you able to provide your consent to take part?
Do you NOT have a pacemaker, certain metal implants, or severe kidney problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you won't be receiving new or experimental treatments. Instead, researchers will be collecting extra information from you alongside your standard cancer treatment. This will involve gathering details from your radiation treatment plans, and you'll have some additional heart checks. These heart checks will include specialised scans like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), an ECG (which checks your heart's electrical activity), and an echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of your heart). Blood samples will also be taken.

These assessments will be done at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden in Germany. The aim is to monitor changes over time, so these measurements will be taken at different points during and after your treatment. The study is particularly interested in your heart health up to three to five years after your radiotherapy has finished. The exact number of visits and tests will be explained in detail by the study team, but it will involve monitoring over several years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, as it is focused on gathering information to help future patients. However, you would be contributing to important medical research that could lead to better prediction and prevention of heart side effects from cancer treatment. The main risks involve the extra tests, such as MRI scans (which have their own safety considerations, especially with metal implants), and blood tests, which usually only involve minor discomfort. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Technology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology
Verified postcode
Dresden, Germany

Common questions

What kind of cancer patients are being studied?

The study includes patients with non-small cell lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, or breast cancer (female patients only).

What are 'biomarkers'?

Biomarkers are measurable signs, like those found in blood tests or scans, that can tell doctors about your health or identify potential risks for certain conditions.

Will my cancer treatment change if I join the study?

No, your cancer treatment will not change. The study is about collecting extra information alongside your standard care.

How long will I be followed in this study?

The study is interested in heart effects up to three to five years after your radiotherapy treatment is completed.

Is the study taking place in the UK?

No, this study is being conducted at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden in Germany.

How to find out more

Esther G. C. Troost, Prof. Dr. med. Dr.

esther.troost@uniklinikum-dresden.de +49 351 458 2238 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.