Clinical Research Directory

Finding the Best Tamoxifen Dose for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction in Premenopausal Women, RENAISSANCE Trial

This phase II trial evaluates response-guided low-dose tamoxifen for reducing breast density in women who are at higher than average risk for breast cancer. Increasing breast density is a well established risk factor for breast cancer. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It works by blocking the effects of the hormone estrogen in the breast. Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce breast density, even at reduced dosages, and is approved for the prevention of 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.

Turkey Tail Mushroom for Treating Post-Menopausal Women With HER2-Negative ER-Positive Breast Cancer Undergoing Surgery

This phase II trial tests how well turkey tail mushroom (TTM) works in treating post-menopausal women with HER2-negative, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer undergoing surgery. TTM is a common mushroom. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for enhancing function and removing toxins, as well as for cancer, hepatitis, and infections. There is previous evidence of significant tumor shrinkage occurring in the 2-month window between diagnosis and surgery in women who have taken TTM. Giving TTM may be effective in treating post-menopausal women with HER2-negative, ER-positive breast cancer undergoing surgery.

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.

Reishi Mushroom Extract for Fatigue and/or Arthralgias/Myalgias in Patients With Breast Cancer on Aromatase Inhibitors

This phase II trial tests how well Reishi mushroom extract works in treating fatigue and/or joint/muscle pain (arthralgias/myalgias) in patients with breast cancer on aromatase inhibitors. Fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias are common symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AI). Given the long duration of AI treatment for some women (up to 10 years), these symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and premature discontinuation of AIs, a beneficial medication. Reishi mushrooms are among several medicinal mushrooms that have been used for hundreds of years, mainly in Asian countries, to help enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. Reishi mushroom extracts have not been studied explicitly for treatment-induced arthralgias/myalgias, but have been shown to improve quality of life, muscular strength, pain, and flexibility. Information from this study may help researchers determine the effect of Reishi mushroom extract on fatigue and arthralgias/myalgias in breast cancer patients receiving an AI.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and FES PET/CT Imaging for the Treatment of Oligoprogressive Estrogen Receptor Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

This phase II trial tests how well stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) works in treating patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER +) breast cancer that has spread from where it first started to other places in the body (metastatic) and has limited disease progression (oligoprogression). Currently, the standard of care for breast cancer patients with oligoprogressive disease is to change systemic therapy when progression occurs. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. SBRT is a type of external radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position a patient and precisely deliver radiation to tumors in the body (except the brain). The total dose of radiation is divided into smaller doses (fractions) given over several days. This type of radiation therapy helps spare normal tissue and has been shown to improve survival. SBRT may kill more tumor cells and allow patients with oligoprogressive ER + metastatic breast cancer to continue taking current systemic treatment. This trial also tests how well ER targeted positron emission tomography (PET)/ computed tomography (CT) imaging, using FES, works in identifying progressive disease in patients with ER + metastatic breast cancer. FES, a radiolabeled substance, binds to estrogen receptors and gives off radiation that can be detected by a PET scan. The PET scan, an established imaging technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactivity attached to very minimal amounts of tracer, FES, forms an image that shows where tumor cells with estrogen receptors can be found in the body. CT images use x-rays to provide an exact outline of organs. FES PET/CT may improve identification of progressive disease in patients with ER + metastatic breast cancer.

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.