Observational Study Comparing 3D and 2D Echocardiography for Early Heart Damage Detection in Patients Receiving Anthracyclines and HER2-Targeted Cancer Therapies

What This Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating heart damage caused by certain cancer treatments, such as anthracycline chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, which can affect the hearts function. The study aims to compare a newer heart ultrasound technique called three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography 3D strain with the standard two-dimensional 2D method to see if it detects early heart damage better. This research focuses on adults with breast cancer, lymphoma, or sarcoma undergoing these cancer treatments at Skne University Hospital in Sweden. Participants receive heart ultrasounds, ECGs, and blood tests for heart-related biomarkers before, during, and after their cancer treatment. Those with breast cancer typically have heart imaging every 3 to 4 months, while those with lymphoma or sarcoma have imaging at baseline, 6 months, and 24 months after starting treatment. Blood samples are also collected and stored for future research. Some participants showing signs of heart damage, along with matched controls, may be invited for detailed heart MRI scans. Throughout the study, researchers track changes in heart function using both 3D and 2D ultrasound measures, along with blood biomarkers. They record heart failure medication starts, hospitalizations, and overall survival from health records. This observational study does not alter clinical care, and the imaging results from 3D strain are analyzed separately. Participation involves regular heart assessments over up to 24 months depending on the cancer type.

3D Versus 2D Strain Echocardiography for Early Detection of Cardiotoxicity During Cancer Therapy