Now Recruiting Adult Heart Failure Patients for Two Stem Cell Clinical Studies


Researchers at Stanford are studying the role of stem cells in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and anthracycline-based chemotherapy induced cardiomyopathy (AIC). They are currently seeking adult patients who are willing to participate in two NHLBI/NIH-funded stem cell clinical trials.

About the SENECA Trial

The first trial, StEm cell iNjEction in CAncer survivors (SENECA), is a Phase 1 trial to test the safety and feasibility of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in 40 patients with AIC who are previous cancer survivors. Since therapies for AIC are limited, stem cells may offer an opportunity to restore heart function. Adult cell therapy has been studied in patients with heart disease with an excellent safety profile. SENECA is the first clinical study of cell therapy for AIC. 

About the CONCERT HF Trial

The second trial, Combination Of meseNchymal and c-kit+ Cardiac stEm cells as Regenerative Therapy for Heart Failure (CONCERT HF), is a Phase 2 trial to examine the feasibility and efficacy of MSCs and c-kit+ cardiac stem cells (CSCs) in 144 patients with ICM. CONCERT-HF is a randomized clinical trial that will evaluate heart function in four groups of patients: 1) those treated with only their own MSCs, 2) those treated with only their own CSCs, 3) those treated with a combination of their own MSCs and CSCs, and 4) those treated with placebo. All patients will be followed for one year.

Learn More and Get Involved

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) established the Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network (CCTRN), which includes key stem cell centers with expertise in conducting clinical trials for cardiovascular diseases. These centers include Stanford University, Texas Heart Institute, University of Florida at Gainesville, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, University of Louisville, University of Miami, and the Vascular and Cardiac Center for Adult Stem Cell Therapy in Indianapolis, Indiana. Further information on the CCTRN is available at: www.cctrn.org

For more information at Stanford, email Fouzia Khan (fouziak@stanford.edu), Phillip Yang (phillip@stanford.edu), or Divya Rajmohan (rajmohan@stanford.edu)

Or visit ClinicalTrials.gov:

SENECA Trial information can be located at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02509156

CONCERT HF Trial information can be located at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02501811