New MRI technique aims to detect hidden heart harm from cancer radiation
NCT ID NCT04044872
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study tested whether a special MRI technique could detect early signs of heart damage caused by radiation therapy in people with thoracic or left-sided breast cancer. The approach used an injected substance (hyperpolarized pyruvate) to measure changes in heart cell energy use. Only 3 participants were enrolled before the study was terminated, so results are very limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this imaging technique could help doctors detect radiation-induced heart damage earlier, potentially guiding safer radiation plans.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small, early feasibility study that was terminated before completion. The method is still experimental and may not prove useful in larger, more diverse groups.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Department of Radiation Oncology; UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
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