A second chance: new tests aim to catch hidden heart damage in childhood cancer survivors

NCT ID NCT04852965

First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether advanced heart imaging and blood tests can detect early signs of heart damage in adults who received anthracycline chemotherapy as children. Anthracyclines are effective cancer treatments but can increase the risk of cardiomyopathy years later. Current methods often diagnose heart damage too late, when it is irreversible. The study will use echocardiography, strain imaging, MRI, and biomarkers to see if they can predict heart problems earlier, potentially allowing for timely intervention.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Advanced heart imaging (echocardiography, strain imaging, MRI, Holter monitoring) and blood biomarkers
What this could lead to
If successful, this could enable earlier detection of heart damage in childhood cancer survivors, allowing timely treatment to prevent irreversible heart failure.
What could go wrong
The study is observational and relatively small, so findings may not apply to all survivors. The techniques and biomarkers may not prove reliable enough for routine use.

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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

  • Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

    Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom

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