HER2HEART-US: Prevention of Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving HER2-directed Therapy

Last updated: April 18, 2025
Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

2

Condition

Breast Cancer - Her2 Positive

Treatment

Empagliflozin

Carvedilol

Clinical Study ID

NCT06844669
202502113
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Ten to 15% of patients with breast cancer are HER2 positive, with treatment focused on targeting the HER2 receptor. Although these treatments are generally well tolerated, they are associated with an increased risk of cardiomyopathy. There are currently no treatments proven to prevent the cardiotoxicities associated with HER2-targeted therapy, but there is convincing preclinical data demonstrating that prophylactic treatment with a beta blocker (BB) and/or an SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) may each independently prevent cardiotoxicity and HER-targeted treatment interruptions.

The proposed pilot study will assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy and safety of therapy with both a beta blocker (carvedilol) and an SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin), alone and in combination, in a population initiating HER2-directed therapy for HER2+ breast cancer.

The hypotheses being tested in this study are:

  1. It is feasible to recruit 20-40 patients over 6 months

  2. There are no differences in tolerability and safety between participants taking carvedilol and/or empagliflozin and those receiving usual care.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Histologically or cytologically confirmed HER2+ breast cancer by ASCO/CAP guidelinesof any clinical or pathologic stage.

  • Planning to commence standard of care HER2-directed therapy. Plan for concurrentanthracycline with HER2-directed therapy is exclusionary.

  • At least 18 years of age.

  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2

  • Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% up to 30 days prior to enrollmentdetected by echocardiogram.

  • Systolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg and resting heart rate ≥ 60 bpm.

  • eGFR > 30 mL/min/1.73m^2.

  • Women of childbearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception prior tostudy entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a woman becomepregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she mustinform her treating physician immediately.

  • Patients with an acceptable support system (as determined by the treating medicalteam).

  • Ability to understand and willingness to sign an Institutional Review Board (IRB)approved written informed consent document. Legally authorized representatives maysign and give informed consent on behalf of study participants.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Prior exposure to mantle cell lymphoma field radiation.

  • Prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history has the potential to interferewith the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen as determinedby the treating physician. Patients with prior or concurrent malignancy that doesNOT meet that definition are eligible for this trial.

  • Currently receiving treatment with SGLT2i or BB that cannot be stopped during theduration of study participation. Currently receiving non-dihydropyridine calciumchannel blocker that cannot be transitioned to or used in combination withcarvedilol.

  • Patients with untreated brain metastases requiring central nervous system directedtherapy and interruption of systemic HER2 directed therapy (as determined by thetreating medical team.

  • A known history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical orbiologic composition to carvedilol, empagliflozin, or other agents used in thestudy.

  • Contraindication to carvedilol or empagliflozin at the discretion of theinvestigator such as:

  • Bronchial asthma or related bronchospastic conditions where BB would becontraindicated

  • Second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block

  • Sick sinus syndrome

  • Severe bradycardia (unless permanent pacemaker in place)

  • In cardiogenic shock or decompensated heart failure requiring the use of IVinotropic therapy

  • Severe hepatic impairment in setting of cirrhosis that prevents use ofcarvedilol

  • Prior cancer treatment with anthracyclines.

  • Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to ongoing or activeinfection or uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia.

  • Pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negativepregnancy test within 14 days of study entry.

Study Design

Total Participants: 40
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Empagliflozin
Phase: 2
Study Start date:
April 16, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
January 31, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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