Clinical Research Directory

Culturally Based Brief Expressive Writing Intervention for the Improvement of Health in Chinese Immigrant Stage 0-III Breast Cancer Survivors, Writing to Heal Study

This clinical trial studies the effect of a culturally based brief expressive writing intervention in improving the health of Chinese immigrant stage 0-III breast cancer survivors. Culturally based brief expressive writing interventions may help researchers learn more about the experiences of Chinese immigrant breast cancer survivors and how writing about their experiences may affect their health.

Imlunestrant and Abemaciclib for the Treatment of Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer in Patients With Minimal Residual Disease, MIRI Trial

This phase II trial studies how well imlunestrant and abemaciclib work in treating patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer who have tumor remaining in the blood following treatment (minimal residual disease). Estrogen can cause the growth of breast cancer cells. Imlunestrant lowers the amount of estrogen made by the body. This may help stop the growth of tumor cells that need estrogen to grow. Abemaciclib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Imlunestrant and abemaciclib may be effective in treating patients with ER+ breast cancer who have minimal residual disease.

Mindfulness Intervention for Improving Nutrition in the Digital Kitchen Among Stage I-III Breast Cancer Survivors, MIND Trial

This trial tests how well a remotely-delivered nutrition and culinary intervention works to improve diet quality among stage I-III breast cancer survivors. Despite the strong evidence demonstrating the benefits of healthy nutrition on improving cancer outcomes, most breast cancer survivors, do not meet the nutrition recommendations The use of technology in behavioral interventions is proving to be a cost-effective mode of delivering lifestyle education to promote behavior change. The Mindfulness Intervention for Nutrition in the Digital Kitchen (MIND) program is delivered through a learning management system on the Cook for Your Life platform (cookforyourlife.org). The Cook for Your Life platform is a cancer patient-facing interactive program offering free nutrition and healthy cooking information, recipes, and cooking videos that disseminate evidence-based information on nutrition and cancer survivorship. The MIND program may help improve diet quality and increase fruit and vegetable intake among stage I-III breast cancer survivors.

Neurotization of the Nipple Areolar Complex to Restore Sensation for Patients With Breast Cancer Undergoing Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and Reconstruction

This phase II trial tests the willingness of patients undergoing nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) to enroll in a randomized study of NSM with or without neurotization of the nipple areolar complex (NAC). This trial also compares patient reported outcomes, including quality of life and breast and NAC sexual functionality, for patients undergoing NSM with or without neurotization of the NAC. NSM is a standard practice option for patients undergoing preventative mastectomy, but many report dissatisfaction with decreased nipple sensation. Neurotization is a surgical technique using a nerve graft in an attempt to restore NAC sensation. Neurotization during NSM and reconstruction may restore NAC sensation and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients.

Semaglutide and Structured Lifestyle Support to Improve Heart and Blood Vessel Health in Postmenopausal Obese Breast Cancer Survivors Taking Aromatase Inhibitors

This phase IV trial studies whether adding semaglutide to structured lifestyle support improves heart and blood vessel health in postmenopausal obese breast cancer survivors (BCS) who are taking an aromatase inhibitor. In postmenopausal BCS who are taking an aromatase inhibitor, obesity raises the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. Semaglutide is a medicine approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for weight loss and for lowering the risk of heart events in people with heart disease. The structured lifestyle support in this trial includes counseling on nutrition and physical activity which provides specific recommendations for individuals to follow.

A Navigation Program to Improve Survivorship Support Service Participation Among Non-metastatic Breast Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial studies whether a navigation program improves survivorship support service participation among survivors of breast cancer that has not spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (non-metastatic). Advances in treatment have caused the number of breast cancer survivors to grow. As this number increases, there are reported unmet supportive care needs in this population, including psychological distress and limitations in physical functioning. To address these needs, many cancer centers offer programming on a variety of topics including psychological services, exercise counseling, and nutrition counseling. Research has shown that while interest in these survivorship programs is high, participation remains low, especially among minority women. Navigation is a healthcare service that is designed to guide a patient through the healthcare system and reduce barriers to timely screening, follow-up, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. The navigation program in this trial is specifically focused on helping breast cancer survivors schedule and attend survivorship consultation appointments as well as providing additional support to underserved/vulnerable patients. A navigation program may be effective in improving survivorship support service participation among non-metastatic breast cancer survivors.

Exercise During Chemotherapy in Older Women With Stage I-III Breast Cancer

This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility of exercise during chemotherapy in older women with stage I-III breast cancer. Previous studies have reported that exercise may reduce the chemotherapy-toxicity risk. This trial may help researchers learn if engaging in a physical activity program is feasible in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer Time Restricted Eating

A phase II study to evaluate an innovative approach of following time restricted eating (TRE) in patients with early-stage breast cancer who will start neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for a new diagnosis of stage I-III breast cancer. Participants at baseline will have a body mass index (BMI) of (25-40) and engage in a TRE 16:8 schedule which includes 16 hours of fasting and 8 hours of eating. Patients will continue TRE for 16 weeks while receiving NCT. For patients who report at the time of the 2-3 week clinic visit that they are finding it challenging to adhere to the 16:8 TRE, instructions will be provided about alternative measures such as changing the time of the day they fast, dietary modifications and finally changing to a 14:10 schedule if other measures fail. For patients requiring NCT for longer than 16 weeks, they will be encouraged to continue TRE. Adherence calculation for the primary endpoint will include data for the first 16 weeks and then monitored separately for any additional optional fasting beyond the first 16 weeks. Adherence to TRE will be self-reported by patients daily through electronic surveys through RedCap and approximately every 2-3 weeks (+/- 5 days) by the research team during their clinic visit.

A Blended e-Health Intervention to Improve Fear of Progression in Women With Gynecologic or Breast Cancer

This clinical trial studies whether an intervention supported by technology (blended e-health intervention) works to improve fear of progression (FOP) in women with gynecologic or breast cancer. FOP is the fear patients experience from the possibility that their cancer could grow, spread, or get worse. Managing FOP is a leading unmet concern of cancer patients. High levels of FOP are associated with distress, depression, and increased health care costs, despite this, access to resources to address FOP remain limited. The blended e-health intervention in this trial offers remote group sessions along with online sessions to help patients access the information. Session content incorporates values-based goal setting and skills practices to manage unhelpful beliefs about worry and promote helpful coping behaviors. The sessions may help patients recognize unhelpful thoughts and behaviors which reinforce worry. A blended e-health intervention may be an effective way to improve FOP in women with gynecologic or breast cancer.

5-strain Probiotic Formulation in HR-positive Breast Cancer Receiving Aromatase Inhibitor to Prevent Bone Loss

This phase II trial tests how well a probiotic, WBF-038, works in preventing bone loss in patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who are starting treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase inhibitors are a drug that blocks the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, which the body uses to make estrogen in the ovaries and other tissues. Blocking aromatase lowers the amount of estrogen made by the body, which may stop the growth of cancer cells that need estrogen to grow. Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat some types of breast cancer or to keep it from coming back. Aromatase inhibitors can affect bone health, weight, blood sugar, and waist size. WBF-038 is a combination of both prebiotics and probiotics, designed to improve metabolic health. Giving WBF-038 may improve bone turnover, bone health, blood sugar, weight, and waist circumference in patients with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer starting on adjuvant endocrine therapy with an aromatase inhibitor.

Taxane and Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in African American Patients With Stage I-III Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies whether a prior germline predictor of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) can help identify a subgroup of patients who are at higher risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in African American patients with stages I-III breast cancer. The study also investigates whether docetaxel maybe work better than paclitaxel with regard to TIPN rate/severity and dose reductions.

Online Nutrition Education to Decrease the Side Effects of Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer

This trial tests an online nutrition education program focused on decreasing nutrition-related side effects of chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk for complications such as diarrhea or constipation which can lead to poor nutritional intake and malabsorption of nutrients. This study is testing the effects of information delivered via the Cook for Your Life website in conjunction with standard clinical care to improve symptom management during chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, which could serve as a new model for supportive oncology care.

ShortStop-HER2: 12 Months vs. 6 Months of HER2-targeted Medications for People With HER2+ Breast Cancer Who Had a Pathologic Complete Response After Chemotherapy Plus Trastuzumab

This phase III trial compares 6 months of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy to 12 months of HER2-targeted therapy for the treatment of HER2-positive (+) breast cancer in patients that had a pathologic complete response (pCR) after preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy with trastuzumab. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are monoclonal antibodies and forms of targeted therapy that attach to a receptor protein called HER2. HER2 is found on some cancer cells. When trastuzumab or pertuzumab attach to HER2, the signals that tell the cells to grow are blocked and the tumor cell may be marked for destruction by the body's immune system. Giving 6 months of HER2-targeted therapy may work better than giving 12 months for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer in patients that had a pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab.

Integrative Approaches for Cancer Survivorship (IACS3)

This clinical trial is a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial for non-metastatic breast cancer survivors to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of two integrative health approaches and study design in a multi-site setting. Participants (n=104) will be randomized to either the Ayurveda Intervention (AVI) or Facing Forward Health Education Intervention (FFHEI). Integrative health combines biomedical and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. AVI, a multi-modal intervention, includes nutritional education, lifestyle practices, yoga, and therapeutic touch, called marma, to help the body and mind feel balanced. FFHEI provides health education using self-directed online content and interactive videos based on the latest science in cancer survivorship. This study does not intend to conduct tests of efficacy and is focused on feasibility outcomes.

Social Health, Activity Behaviors, and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

This longitudinal observational study examines how social health, including social support, social roles, loneliness, social anxiety, and social network characteristics, relates to physical activity, sedentary time, and quality of life among ethnically and racially diverse adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients aged 18-39 years. The study follows participants over four clinically significant timepoints in the first 12 months after diagnosis (baseline near diagnosis, mid treatment, near end of treatment, and 12 month follow up). At each timepoint, patients complete questionnaires and wear a wrist worn accelerometer for one week.

Breast Cancer, Reasoning, and Activity Intervention

This phase II trial tests whether an exercise intervention works to improve cognitive function in breast cancer survivors. Many breast cancer survivors report cancer-related cognitive impairment, which this has recently become a priority in clinical research due to its dramatic impact on daily functioning, quality of life, and long-term health. Aerobic exercise has the potential to improve cognitive function and brain health in older adults and is recommended as a safe, tolerable, and accessible complementary therapy for breast cancer survivors. This study aims to understand the effects of physical activity compared with health education on memory, attention, and brain health in women with breast cancer. Study findings may help researchers design more programs that can improve memory, attention, and brain health in other women with breast cancer.

A Vaccine (STEMVAC) for Improving Survival in Patients With Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Moderate or Extensive Residual Cancer Burden

This phase II trial evaluates whether a multi-antigen vaccine called STEMVAC improves disease-free survival after surgery in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and moderate or extensive residual cancer burden. TNBC has an aggressive clinical course and poorer disease-free survival compared to other subtypes. While patients who have no remaining tumor in the breast or lymph nodes after surgery have excellent long-term outcomes, patients with moderate or extensive residual cancer burden remain at high risk for early disease return and poorer prognosis. STEMVAC is designed to target proteins that tumor cells use when they become more aggressive and start to spread, and it is believed to work by boosting the immune system to recognize and destroy the invader tumor cells that are causing the disease. Giving STEMVAC after surgery may improve disease-free survival rates in TNBC patients with moderate or extensive residual cancer burden.

Fisetin to Improve Physical Function in Stage I-III Breast Cancer Survivors

This phase II trial tests whether fisetin works to improve physical function in women who have received chemotherapy for stage I-III breast cancer treatment. Fisetin is a naturally occurring substance that is found in strawberries and other foods. Fisetin eliminates cells that have undergone a process called senescence. Senescence is when a cell ages and permanently stops dividing but does not die. Over time, large numbers of these cells build up in tissues throughout the body and can release harmful substances that causes inflammation and damages nearby healthy cells. Studies have shown that chemotherapy causes a build-up of these senescent cells. Giving fisetin may eliminate senescent cells and improve physical function in postmenopausal women who have received chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Letrozole With and Without Simvastatin for the Treatment of Stage I-III Hormone Receptor Positive, HER2 Negative Breast Cancer

This early phase I trial tests whether letrozole with simvastatin works better than letrozole alone to stop tumor cell proliferation in patients with stage I-III hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative invasive breast cancer. Letrozole and simvastatin may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. The addition of simvastatin to letrozole may be more effective at stopping the growth of cancer cells than letrozole alone.

High Cannabidiol Plant Extract (BRC-001) to Improve Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Women With Breast Cancer

This phase II trial tests the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) plant extract (BRC-001) in improving joint stiffness and pain (arthralgia) in women with breast cancer taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). AIs lower blood levels of estrogen in postmenopausal women to reduce breast cancer recurrence. Women on AI therapy may experience joint stiffness, pain and arthritis symptoms as a side effect of the medication. Some women stop AI therapy due to these side effects and do not receive the maximum benefit from the medication. CBD is derived from the same plant family as marijuana but is not associated with a "high" or mind-altering effect and is not habit-forming. Research in animals and humans indicates that CBD might decrease inflammation in joint tissues and may help reduce chronic pain in ailments such as arthritis. BRC-001 may reduce joint pain in women with breast cancer taking AIs.

Evaluation of Alternative Site Goserelin Acetate Injection for Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS) in Local and Locally Advanced Premenopausal Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Patients

This phase II trial determines if giving goserelin acetate injections in the upper gluteal region is as effective for ovarian function suppression (OFS) as giving injections in the abdomen for ovarian function suppression (OFS) in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor positive breast cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body (localized) or that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced). Goserelin acetate is a drug used to treat prostate cancer, relieve the symptoms of advanced breast cancer, and treat problems with the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Goserelin acetate initially causes the pituitary gland to make more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), temporarily increasing testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. With continued use, goserelin acetate lowers the amount of LH and FSH the pituitary gland releases, leading to a drop in testosterone levels in men and estrogen levels in women. Goserelin acetate may stop the growth of cancer cells that need testosterone or estrogen to grow. It is a type of hormone therapy called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. Giving goserelin acetate injections in the upper gluteal region may be as effective for OFS as giving injections in the abdomen for OFS in premenopausal patients with localized or locally advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer.

Nab-paclitaxel and Alpelisib for the Treatment of Anthracycline Refractory Triple Negative Breast Cancer With PIK3CA or PTEN Alterations

This phase II trial studies how well nab-paclitaxel and alpelisib works in treating patients with triple negative breast cancer with PIK3CA or PTEN alterations that does not respond to anthracycline chemotherapy (anthrocycline refractory). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as nab-paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Alpelisib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving nab-paclitaxel and alpelisib before surgery may help shrink the tumor before surgery.

Feasibility Study of Biobehavioral Stress Reduction Intervention in Patients With Triple Negative Breast Cancer

This clinical trial aims to see if patients with triple negative breast cancer can complete a biobehavioral stress reduction program that also addresses health related social needs (e.g., utilities, transportation, etc.). The stress reduction program is over ten weeks and includes stress reduction (e.g., progressive muscle relaxation), coping, problem solving, communication, and social support. Health related social needs will be evaluated at the beginning of the study, and referrals will be made to social work to help address those needs. The study will examine stress as reported by the patients and also use biological markers.

Circulating Tumor DNA Based Minimal Residual Disease Detection for Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

This clinical trial studies how well circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) based minimal residual disease (MRD) detection works for patients with early-stage breast cancer. MRD refers to a very small number of tumor cells that remain in the body during or after treatment. ctDNA refers to small pieces of DNA that are released into a person's blood by tumor cells as they die. Management of patients after cancer surgery remains a clinical dilemma, particularly for cancer detected at earlier stages as many patients are cured by surgery alone. This results in very large clinical trials required to demonstrate a modest benefit from treatment. Using ctDNA MRD testing in early-stage breast cancer patients receiving standard treatment may help researchers identify groups that would benefit from additional therapy, leading to better outcomes.