Clinical Research Directory

Adding an Immunotherapy Drug, MEDI4736 (Durvalumab), to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Paclitaxel, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin) for Stage II-III Breast Cancer

This phase III trial compares the addition of an immunotherapy drug (durvalumab) to usual chemotherapy versus usual chemotherapy alone in treating patients with MammaPrint High 2 Risk (MP2) stage II-III hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as durvalumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide 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. There is some evidence from previous clinical trials that people who have a MammaPrint High 2 Risk result may be more likely to respond to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Adding durvalumab to usual chemotherapy may be able to prevent the cancer from returning for patients with MP2 stage II-III hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer.

Testing Whether Hormone Therapy With Ribociclib is as Effective as Chemotherapy Followed by Hormone Therapy With Ribociclib for the Treatment of High Anatomic Stage Breast Cancer With Low Recurrence Risk, The RxFINE-Low Trial

This phase III trial compares standard of care hormone therapy plus ribociclib to chemotherapy followed by hormone therapy plus ribociclib for the treatment of patients with high anatomic stage breast cancer with low risk of the cancer returning (low risk recurrence). Ribociclib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Hormone therapy, with letrozole, anastrozole or exemestane, lowers the amount of estrogen made by the body. This may help stop the growth of tumor cells that need estrogen to grow. Chemotherapy drugs 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. Hormone therapy plus ribociclib may work as well as chemotherapy followed by hormone therapy plus ribociclib for the treatment of high anatomic stage breast cancer with low recurrence risk.

Pembrolizumab vs. Observation in People With Triple-negative Breast Cancer Who Had a Pathologic Complete Response After Chemotherapy Plus Pembrolizumab

The phase III trial compares the effect of pembrolizumab to observation for the treatment of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer who achieved a pathologic complete response after preoperative chemotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab. 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. This trial may help researchers determine if observation will result in the same risk of cancer coming back as pembrolizumab after surgery in triple-negative breast cancer patients who achieve pathologic complete response after preoperative chemotherapy with pembrolizumab.

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.

Testing Laser Therapy for Treatment of Vaginal Dryness in Survivors of Breast Cancer, The Revitalize Trial

This phase III trial tests whether vaginal fractional CO2 laser therapy works in treating vaginal dryness in breast cancer survivors. Vaginal dryness can be commonly experienced with normal aging, with menopause, or come about from medications used to treat breast cancer such as chemotherapy or endocrine therapies like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Vaginal fractional CO2 laser therapy may help reduce vaginal dryness.

A Conversational Agent (Cecebot) to Improve Insomnia in Stage I-III Breast Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial evaluates the effect of conversational agent, Cecebot, on improving insomnia in stage I-III breast cancer survivors. Sleep disturbance ranks among the top concerns reported by breast cancer survivors and is associated with poor quality of life. Many breast cancer survivors also have decreased physical activity, which may also have a negative impact on sleep and quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) and physical activity interventions have individually been reported to improve sleep and to have a positive impact on quality of life. Cecebot is a personalized short messaging service (SMS)-based behavioral intervention that combines CBTi and physical activity strategies that may improve sleep for breast cancer survivors.

Testing the Role of FDG-PET/CT to Predict Response to Therapy Prior to Surgery for HER2-positive Breast Cancer, The DIRECT Trial

This phase II trial tests how well an imaging procedure called fludeoxyglucose F-18 (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) works in predicting response to standard of care chemotherapy prior to surgery in patients with HER2-positive stage IIa-IIIc breast cancer. FDG is a radioactive tracer that is given in a vein before PET/CT imaging and helps to identify areas of active cancer. PET and CT are imaging techniques that make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body. The use of FDG-PET/CT may help doctors better decide if a patient needs more or less treatment before surgery in order to get the best response. This study evaluates whether FDG-PET/CT is useful in predicting a patient's response to standard of care chemotherapy.

Monitoring Symptoms to Help Young Women Take Hormone Therapy for Stage I-III Breast Cancer, ASPEN Study

This phase III trial compares the effect of active symptom monitoring and patient education to patient education alone in helping young women with stage I-III breast cancer stay on their hormone therapy medicines. The patient education tool contains interactive weblinks which provide patients with education material about breast cancer and side effects of therapy. Symptom monitoring is a weblink via email or text message with questions asking about symptoms. Hormone therapy for breast cancer can cause side effects, and may cause some women to stop treatment early. Asking about symptoms more often may help women keep taking hormone therapy medicines.

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.

Evaluating the Association Among Changes in Gut Microbiome, Fatigue, and Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea in Early Stage Breast Cancer

This pilot study seeks to understand how changes in the bacteria composition (microbiome) of the gut may be associated with the occurrence of fatigue and chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) in women undergoing chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer. Patients undergoing chemotherapy may experience fatigue or nausea as a result of their treatment. Known risk factors for fatigue and CIN do not explain the differences in fatigue and CIN occurrence between patients, but changes in the functions of the gut microbiome may be related to the occurrence of fatigue and CIN. This study collects stool samples from breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy to evaluate how changes in the microbiome may be associated with fatigue and CIN.

Enhancing Skin Appearance and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

This study evaluates changes in skin quality and self-esteem among breast cancer patients who are initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy.

CompassHER2-pCR: Decreasing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients After Pre-surgery Chemo and Targeted Therapy

This trial studies how well paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab work in eliminating further chemotherapy after surgery in patients with HER2-positive stage II-IIIa breast cancer who have no cancer remaining at surgery (either in the breast or underarm lymph nodes) after pre-operative chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as 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. Trastuzumab and pertuzumab are both a form of "targeted therapy" because they work by attaching themselves to specific molecules (receptors) on the surface of tumor cells, known as HER2 receptors. When these drugs attach to HER2 receptors, 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 paclitaxel, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab may enable fewer chemotherapy drugs to be given without compromising patient outcomes compared to the usual treatment.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Lymph-Node Positive Breast Cancer

This phase II trial studies the shoulder morbidity in patients with lymph-node positive breast cancer receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy or 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Intensity modulated radiation therapy may cause less shoulder/arm morbidity in patients with lymph-node positive breast cancer.

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.

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.

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.

Topical or Oral Minoxidil for the Treatment of Endocrine Therapy-Induced Alopecia in Patients With Stage I-IV Breast Cancer

This early phase I trial studies the possible benefits and/or side effects of topical or oral minoxidil in treating endocrine therapy-induced hair loss (alopecia) in patients with stage I-IV breast cancer. Endocrine therapy-induced alopecia (EIA) is a distressing side effect that leads to reduced quality of life and early cessation of therapy in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Patients on endocrine therapy commonly report hair loss or thinning. Minoxidil is a drug that may promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. Oral minoxidil may increase hair density in women with EIA, and work the same as topical minoxidil in treating EIA in patients with breast cancer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Dietary Supplement (Resistant Potato Starch) for Reducing Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Individuals Planning to Receive Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy, AIMSS-RPS Trial

This phase II trial tests the safety and effectiveness of a dietary supplement called resistant potato starch for reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer or who are at high risk for breast cancer and are planning to receive treatment with an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase inhibitors are a type of drug commonly used for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer. Many people who receive aromatase inhibitors experience musculoskeletal symptoms (symptoms relating to bones and muscles, such as joint pain or stiffness). Research has shown there may be an association between reduced levels of beneficial gut bacteria and the development of aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms. Resistant potato starch is a plant-based low-digestible carbohydrate that has the potential to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Taking resistant potato starch while receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy may reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with stage 0-III breast cancer or individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Geriatric Care Survivorship Intervention for Improving the Overall Health of Older Adults With Stage I-III Breast Cancer Who Have Completed Curative Treatment

This trial studies the effect of a geriatric care survivorship intervention in improving the overall health of older adults who have completed curative treatment for stage I-III breast cancer. Geriatric assessment is the complete examination of an elderly individual, which includes a full valuation of the physical and mental conditions, as well as a check of emotional state. Geriatric assessment and survivorship visits after treatment may reduce health burdens and improve the well-being and quality of life of elderly patients with breast cancer. Researchers hope to improve the overall health of older adults who have undergone curative treatment for stage I-III breast cancer.

Web-Based Symptom Monitoring and Self-Management Portal (YES) for Adolescent and Young Adult Breast Cancer Survivors

This clinical trial compares a web-based patient-reported symptom monitoring and self management portal, the Young, Empowered \& Strong (YES), to standard therapy in managing symptoms in adolescent and young adult breast cancer survivors. YES is a web-based portal (website) to help monitor issues or symptoms women with breast cancer may experience. The YES portal may improve the quality of life of young breast cancer survivors. The YES portal may help manage symptoms and provide useful information/resources.