Molecular Imaging for ICI Myocarditis

JL
Overseen ByJonathan Lindner, MD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase < 1
Sponsor: University of Virginia
Must be taking: Immune checkpoint inhibitors
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to diagnose heart inflammation (myocarditis) caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a type of cancer treatment. These treatments can sometimes lead to heart problems. The trial aims to determine if myocardial contrast echocardiography molecular imaging, which uses a contrast agent targeted to inflammation, can quickly identify this issue. It involves participants treated with ICIs in the past week who show signs of potential heart inflammation, such as changes in heart rhythms or specific test results. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research seeks to understand how this new diagnostic method works in people, offering participants the chance to contribute to advancements in heart health.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on potent immunosuppressive therapy beyond corticosteroids, you may not be eligible to participate.

What prior data suggests that this ultrasound imaging technique is safe for diagnosing ICI myocarditis?

Studies on myocardial contrast echocardiography for diagnosing ICI myocarditis are still gathering safety information. This trial is in an early stage, focusing primarily on assessing safety for participants. Although detailed safety data from past studies is lacking, this phase indicates that the treatment is just beginning to be tested for safety and side effects.

Since myocardial contrast echocardiography is being tested for a new purpose, the current study aims to determine if it can safely and effectively detect heart inflammation caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer but can sometimes lead to heart inflammation as a side effect. As the trial progresses, more specific safety information will likely emerge.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about myocardial contrast echocardiography molecular imaging for ICI myocarditis because it offers a novel way to visualize heart inflammation that current methods can't match. Unlike standard treatments like corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs that aim to reduce inflammation, this imaging technique allows for precise detection and assessment of myocarditis at a molecular level. This specificity can lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses, potentially improving patient outcomes by tailoring treatment plans more effectively.

What evidence suggests that this ultrasound imaging technique is effective for diagnosing ICI myocarditis?

Research has shown that immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis, a type of heart inflammation, can lead to serious heart problems or even be fatal, with death rates ranging from 27% to 50%. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for managing these risks. This trial studies a new imaging method called myocardial contrast echocardiography to detect heart inflammation in patients with suspected ICI myocarditis. This technique uses a special contrast agent to enhance image clarity and highlight inflammation. Although data on this method remains limited, early indications suggest it could identify heart issues caused by cancer treatments like ICIs, potentially improving patient outcomes.24567

Who Is on the Research Team?

JL

Jonathan Lindner

Principal Investigator

University of Virginia

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults (18+) who recently received immune checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy and now have signs of possible heart inflammation, such as abnormal blood tests, new heart rhythm problems, changes on ECG or MRI scans, or reduced heart function.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 18 years old or older.
I have received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in the past week.
1. new or suspected new high-sensitivity troponin \>3 times upper limit of normal
See 4 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Diagnostic Imaging

Participants undergo MCE molecular imaging with Sonazoid to diagnose ICI myocarditis

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive immune suppressive therapy and undergo repeat MCE molecular imaging to evaluate response

2 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for cardiac function and reduction in inflammation

3 months
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Myocardial contrast echocardiography molecular imaging

Trial Overview

The study is testing a special ultrasound scan of the heart using a contrast agent called Sonazoid to see if it can quickly detect inflammation in people suspected of having ICI-related myocarditis.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Patients with suspected MyocarditisExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Virginia

Lead Sponsor

Trials
802
Recruited
1,342,000+

GE Healthcare

Industry Sponsor

Trials
307
Recruited
634,000+
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Fotis Vlachos

GE Healthcare

Chief Marketing Officer since 2024

PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts, MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

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Peter J. Arduini

GE Healthcare

Chief Executive Officer since 2022

MBA from Northwestern University, BSc in Marketing from Susquehanna University

Citations

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis and Left ...

Diagnoses of myositis and myasthenia gravis–like syndrome were linked to a high in-hospital mortality rate of 60%. Histopathologic findings in ...

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis

Of the patients with CMR diagnosis of ICI‐associated myocarditis, those who had midmyocardial LGE tended to have more major cardiovascular ...

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Immune ...

Fatal outcomes were noted in 50% of patients, again more frequent with combination immunotherapy [9]. In contrast, approximately 75% of patients ...

Multimodal Imaging of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis

The reported incidence is generally low at 0.27–1% [3]. However, the rate of major cardiovascular outcomes can be as high as 40% in patients diagnosed with ICI ...

Cardiac imaging techniques for the assessment of immune ...

In this study, we systematically reviewed the studies on cardiac imaging techniques for assessing ICI-induced cardiotoxicity.

NCT07538544 | MCE Molecular Imaging for ICI Myocarditis

An adverse event that results in death, is life-threatening, requires inpatient hospitalization or extends a current hospital stay, results in ...

MCE Molecular Imaging for ICI Myocarditis - MedPath

Rapid diagnosis of this condition is key to reversing it. The purpose of this study is to determine whether ICI myocarditis can be diagnosed ...