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Carvedilol for Heart Protection in Breast Cancer Patients

Phase 2
Waitlist Available
Research Sponsored by Northwestern University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Scheduled to receive treatment with anthracycline and/or trastuzumab and pertuzumab-based regimens
Pathology report must include HER2 expression, estrogen and progesterone receptor status
Must not have
Patients who have ever taken BB/ACE therapy are excluded
Metastatic breast cancer
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 1 year
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is studying a new way to prevent heart problems in breast cancer patients who are at risk for developing them from their chemotherapy.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for women over 18 with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer (Stages I-III) who are about to start treatment with specific chemotherapies known to affect the heart. They must have normal heart function and agree to use contraception. Excluded are those with severe pre-existing heart conditions, certain other health issues like severe asthma or liver dysfunction, pregnant/breastfeeding women, and anyone previously on beta-blockers.
What is being tested?
The study tests whether Carvedilol, a beta-blocker medication, can prevent or delay heart damage in patients receiving chemotherapy that's tough on the heart. Patients' hearts will be monitored using advanced imaging techniques to detect early signs of strain or damage during their cancer treatment.
What are the potential side effects?
Carvedilol may cause dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, slower heartbeat rate and sometimes symptoms like difficulty breathing if you have asthma. It's important for patients not already experiencing significant cardiac issues as it could worsen them.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am scheduled for treatment with anthracycline, trastuzumab, or pertuzumab.
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My pathology report includes HER2, estrogen, and progesterone status.
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I have no heart symptoms or only get short of breath after walking two blocks.
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I am over 18 and have early stage (I-III) breast cancer with high HER2.
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My heart's pumping ability is normal.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I have never taken BB/ACE therapy.
Select...
My breast cancer has spread to other parts of my body.
Select...
My heart's pumping ability is reduced.
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I experience heart failure symptoms with minimal activity or at rest.
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I have a very slow heartbeat (<50 bpm) or very low blood pressure (<85 mmHg).
Select...
My liver is severely impaired.
Select...
I have a serious heart condition.
Select...
I have been diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome.
Select...
I have moderate to severe asthma.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~1 year
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in Global Longitudinal Strain
Secondary study objectives
Number of cancer treatments

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Prophylactic CarvedilolExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Carvedilol 3.125 mg by mouth every 12 hours, titrated to a max dose of 25 mg by mouth every 12 hours, depending on blood pressure and heart rate, until completion of study.
Group II: No TherapyActive Control1 Intervention
Standard of care monitoring without prophylactic treatment.
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Carvedilol
2011
Completed Phase 4
~1410

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Northwestern UniversityLead Sponsor
1,652 Previous Clinical Trials
961,381 Total Patients Enrolled
37 Trials studying Breast Cancer
12,384 Patients Enrolled for Breast Cancer

Media Library

Carvedilol Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT02993198 — Phase 2
Breast Cancer Research Study Groups: Prophylactic Carvedilol, No Therapy
Breast Cancer Clinical Trial 2023: Carvedilol Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT02993198 — Phase 2
Carvedilol 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT02993198 — Phase 2
~12 spots leftby Dec 2025