Clinical Research Directory

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.

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.

Decision Making Tool in Supporting Decision Making in Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

This trial studies the acceptability and how well decision making tool works in supporting decision making in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Decision making tool may help patients with early stage breast cancer make decisions regarding their surgical options.

Identifying Decision Making Needs for Older Adult Women With Stage I-III Breast Cancer Considering Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant Chemotherapy

This study collects information and identifies decision making needs for older adult women with stage I-III breast cancer considering neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Using this information, a decision support tool is then developed to provide patients and physicians with tailored information regarding the risks and benefits of chemotherapy and values clarification to support high-quality, shared decision. Subsequently, the decision support tool will be tested amongst older patients with early-stage breast cancer and health care providers navigating the decision process around chemotherapy, and further refined through an iterative process.

Personalized Exercise Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer, STEPS-BC Trial

This clinical trial studies whether a healthy living intervention (HLI), with or without a physical activity intervention (PAI), helps maintain the ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment. Early detection and enhanced therapies for breast cancer have improved 5-year cancer-related survival rates. Unfortunately, many breast cancer survivors are at high risk for long-term exercise intolerance, decreased heart health, and lower quality of life following chemotherapy. Currently, there are no effective therapies to help patients maintain these areas throughout chemotherapy. The HLI in this study includes virtual health education classes, which provide useful information on topics like proper nutrition, managing stress, and sleep practices. This may help patients understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle during chemotherapy. The PAI in this study consists of virtual exercise sessions personalized to the needs of the patient, which may make it easier for patients to stay active during chemotherapy. HLI with PAI may be a more effective way to help maintain ability to exercise, heart health, and quality of life in breast cancer patients who are scheduled to receive chemotherapy treatment.

Infertility Survey Among Reproductive Age Women With Gynecological and Breast Cancer

This study develops infertility survey among reproductive age women with gynecological and breast cancer. This study aims to learn how women consider whether or not to try to have a baby after surviving cancer. The advice gathered from this survey may be shared with patients and survivors in the future, so that they have information to inform their decisions about cancer treatment and family planning.

Docetaxel or Paclitaxel in Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in African American Patients With Stage I-III Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies how well docetaxel or paclitaxel work in reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in African American patients with stages I-III breast cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as docetaxel and 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. It is not yet known whether giving docetaxel or paclitaxel may work better than other methods in reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with breast cancer.

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.

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.

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.

Treatment Effects on Development of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Cancer

This trial studies treatment effects on development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with cancer. Treatments for cancer can cause a problem to the nervous system (called peripheral neuropathy) that can lead to tingling or less feeling in hands and feet. Studying certain risk factors, such as age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and the type of treatment for cancer may help doctors estimate how likely patients are to develop the nerve disorder.

Additional Support Program Via Text Messaging and Telephone-Based Counseling for Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Hormonal Therapy

This phase III trial compares an additional support program (text message reminders and/or telephone-based counseling) with usual care in making sure breast cancer patients take their endocrine therapy medication as prescribed (medication adherence). Medication adherence is how well patients take the medication as prescribed by their doctors, and good medical adherence is when patients take medications correctly. Poor medication adherence has been shown to be a serious barrier to effective treatment for hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients. Adding text message reminders and/or telephone-based counseling to usual care may increase the number of days that patients take their endocrine therapy medication as prescribed.

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.

Ph2 Study for Optimization of Adjunct Systemic Therapy in HER2+ Patients, MolecularPCR Trial

This phase II trial tests reduced post surgery (adjuvant) therapy for patients with early breast cancer who have confirmed that the disease has responded completely (pathologic complete response) after pre surgical treatment (neoadjuvant) therapy and do not have any tumor genetic material (molecular residual disease) circulating in their blood. Standard of care treatment after surgery consists of 1 year of pembrolizumab for patients with triple negative breast cancer or trastuzumab with or without pertuzumab to complete 1 year of treatment. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Pertuzumab and trastuzumab are monoclonal antibodies and forms of targeted therapy that attach to a receptor protein called HER2. HER2 is found on some cancer cells. When pertuzumab or trastuzumab 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. Lowering the total amount of cancer therapy after breast surgery, may continue to keep the great tumor response to treatment, and may help lower the amount of side effects patients have.

Genetic Testing in Predicting Tumor Response in Patients With Stage I-III HER2 Negative Invasive Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies how well genetic testing works in predicting tumor response in patients with stage I-III HER2 negative invasive breast cancer. Genetic testing is a procedure that tests tumor samples to learn if certain genes are activated (turned on) in the tumor and if the activation of these genes may predict if the tumor will be sensitive or resistant to routine breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.

Standard Verbal Counseling With or Without a Pictorial Educational Tool for the Reduction of Psychological Morbidity in Patients With Stage 0-IIIA Breast Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy, COPE Study

This clinical trial studies the effect of standard verbal counseling with or without a pictorial educational tool for the reduction of psychological morbidity in patients with stage 0-IIIA breast cancer receiving radiation therapy. Beginning radiation therapy for breast cancer can be stressful. Education about what to expect often reduces the stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by these patients. This study is being done to see how effective photos are in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression associated with radiation therapy for patients with breast cancer.

Hypnosedation in Relaxing Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery

This clinical trial studies how well hypnosedation works in relaxing and reducing the need for general anesthesia in patients who are undergoing breast cancer surgery. Hypnosedation is a technique that places patients under conscious sedation where they remain awake and numbed during surgery and involves the use of words and images to help patients relax and to affect their thoughts about what is happening during surgery.

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.

Time Restricted Eating for the Improvement of Outcomes in Patients With Stage I-III Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy Before Surgery

This phase II trial studies whether time restricted eating (TRE) works to improve outcomes in patients with stage I-III breast cancer receiving chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) with a body mass index (BMI) 25-40. TRE has been shown to elicit similar metabolic changes as calorie restriction such as reduction in blood glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduction of tumor cell growth. TRE may improve outcomes in patients with breast cancer.

Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Before or After Breast Surgery for Treatment of Patients With Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies how well hypofractionated radiotherapy before (preoperative) or after (postoperative) breast surgery works in treating patients with different types of non-metastatic (has not spread from original tumor site) breast cancer and to determine the outcomes and side effects of this treatment. Radiation therapy is considered an integral part of breast conserving therapy. Hypofractionated radiation therapy is a radiation treatment in which the total dose of radiation is divided into large doses and treatments are given less than once a day. This has been shown to be an effective treatment for breast cancer while reducing treatment time and decreasing side effects. Preoperative radiotherapy alone or concurrently with chemotherapy has also been tested with excellent results and with minimal toxicity. Preoperative radiation of the intact tumor with a hypofractionated regimen can potentially decrease toxicity by allowing the delivery of treatment to intact breast tissue. The potential advantages of preoperative radiation therapy include the delivery of radiation in the intact breast when radiation can be more effective as more oxygen can be available in the tissue. Furthermore, complications and cosmetic results are expected to be lower in pre-operative radiotherapy before surgery, as there have been no changes in blood supply to the breast. This lends to the possibility of using lower doses of radiotherapy to patients, and potentially better cancer associated clinical outcomes for our breast cancer patients. Undergoing hypofractionated radiation therapy before or after breast surgery may be safe and effective in treating patients with different types of non-metastatic breast cancer.

Minoxidil With or Without Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Improving Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia in Breast Cancer Patients

This phase II trial compares the safety and effectiveness of topical minoxidil alone to topical minoxidil in combination with low-level red-light therapy for improving chemotherapy-induced hair loss or thinning (alopecia). Minoxidil has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for hair loss. It increases blood flow in the skin and may have a direct stimulatory effect on hair follicle cells, forcing them from their resting phase into their active growth phase. Low-level light therapy is regarded as a safe and medically accepted treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, scars, and psoriasis. Red light wavelengths are readily absorbed into the skin and do not contain harmful ultraviolet light. When absorbed into the skin, these wavelengths stimulate fibroblasts, which are connective tissue cells that make and secrete collagen proteins. Low-level red-light therapy may improve hair loss by stimulating hair follicles. Combining minoxidil with low-level red-light therapy may be safe and more effective at improving chemotherapy-induced alopecia than minoxidil alone.

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.

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.

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.