The Cardiac study, similar to the Qulity of Life study is a sub-study running with the main trial.

Recent studies show that radiotherapy to the chest wall may cause heart problems in some patients many years after the treatment was given. It should be emphasised that this complication is rare.

Currently we have relatively little information about cardiac conditions arising in breast cancer patients receiving treatment; either radiotherapy or anthracycine chemotherapy, or in combination. The SUPREMO cardiac substudy will help to improve our information in this area.

At each visit patients in the cardiac sub-study will have their weight, pulse and blood pressure measured. A small blood sample will be taken and an electrocardiogram (ECG) carried out.

Increased levels of a protein called B type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) are found in the plasma, the liquid part of your blood, in patients with heart problems. These levels can be used together with normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) tests, to help to predict whether you are likely to develop heart problems.  If the results show that you may have problems you will be referred to a cardiologist for appropriate treatment.

- Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

Follow up for the Cardiac sub-study will be done at 6 months, one, five and ten years from the start of the trial at the same time as the follow up for the main part of the trial.

TRANS-SUPREMO and Cardiac Sub-study Coordinator

Kirsten Murray
ISD Cancer Clinical Trials Team
Gyle Square
1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh EH12 9EB
Telephone: +44 (0) 131 275 6630
E-mail: kirsten.murray@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk