Low-dose radiation to the whole heart for advanced heart failure
Tests low-dose whole-heart radiation in adults with advanced, hard-to-treat heart failure.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Cardiac RadiothErapy For hEart faiLure
Key facts
- Where
- Leuven, BelgiumSee the site
Where in Belgium
- UZ LeuvenLeuven, BelgiumTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
- Trial code
- NCT06661876
- Record updated
- 1 December 2025
- Original description
Preliminary data suggests that patients suffering from advanced refractory heart failure (HF) could benefit from single low dose whole heart external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).Read full original descriptionShow less
Cardiac RadiothErapy For hEart faiLure
Preliminary data suggests that patients suffering from advanced refractory heart failure (HF) could benefit from single low dose whole heart external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).
Objective: To explore in our center the efficacy of administering a EBRT treatment of 5Gy to the whole heart in patients with advanced and refractory HF. The hypothesis is that 5Gy EBRT to the whole heart can improve the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of these patients by a clinically relevant 5%.
Main study endpoints: The primary aim is to explore the efficacy of EBRT treatment for advanced refractory HF. Secondary endpoints include an assessment of safety, overall survival, hospital admissions, late toxicity, quality of life and the effect of the treatment on other heart function indicators (left ventricular volumes, NT-proBNP, Troponine, High sensitive CRP).
Inclusion: Patient ≥ 18 years; Advanced refractory HF NYHA class II, III or IV; Stable HF for the last 6 months with maximal guideline-directed HF therapy; Ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy; LVEF at baseline ≤ 35%; Ability to give a written informed consent and willingness to return for follow-up.
Exclusion: Previous radiotherapy with cardiac involvement; Eligible or in consideration for heart transplantation; Any condition that is deemed a contraindication in the judgment of the investigators; Pregnancy or breastfeeding.