The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effects of the chemotherapeutic drug, Trastuzumab (Herceptin) on the heart. Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used to treat specific types of breast cancer and is known to cause weakening of the heart. Unfortunately, little is know as to why this this happens. The investigators want to identify any factors that may lead to the early detection, treatment and prevention of the cardiotoxicity (heart problem) associated with this drug.
As a subject participating in this study the following information will be collected: complete past medical history including age, height, and weight will be done with each echocardiogram; blood pressure at clinic visits during treatment with trastuzumab, type of cancer will be noted, type of chemotherapy, doses of chemotherapy, type and dose of chemotherapy in the past, type and dose of radiation therapy received, names and doses of cardiac medications, results of cardiac tests, results of lab tests, family history of heart disease, and social history which will include risk factors for developing heart disease including tobacco and alcohol use. This information will be entered into a database for the investigators to try and detect any factors that may lead to the cardiotoxicity (heart problem) that may be caused by Trastuzumab (Herceptin). Any transthoracic echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) ordered will be further evaluated for special parameters that may help to detect weakening of the heart earlier than a normal ultrasound. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) is when a probe is placed on the chest and pictures are taken using sound waves and a special camera.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
25
Any transthoracic echocardiogram (ultrasound) of the heart, performed as part of standard clinical care, will be further evaluated for special parameters that may help to detect weakening.
Univerisity of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Longitudinal Strain
Each transthoracic echocardiogram obtained during the patient's treatment will be assessed for longitudinal strain.
Time frame: Change in baseline longitudinal strain from beginning of study to end of study. Patients will be followed for a minimum of 1 year.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Left ventricular ejection fraction from all clinically indicated transthoracic echocardiograms will be compared from baseline through the end of the study.
Time frame: Change in ejection fraction from baseline to end of study. Patients will be followed for a minimum of 1 year.
Clinically evident congestive heart failure
Clinically evident congestive heart failure(symptoms of fluid overload such as shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea or physical findings of congestive heart failure such as jugular venous distension, rales on pulmonary exam, lower extremity edema).
Time frame: From baseline to end of study. Patients will be followed for a minimum of 1 year.
Cardiac medication use
The type and dose of all cardiac medications will be followed from baseline to end of study.
Time frame: Baseline to end of study. Patients will be follwed for a minimum of 1 year.
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