Identifying patients at high risk for late breast cancer recurrence using gene expression

Using gene expression to identify patients at high risk for late breast cancer recurrence

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · NIH-10779323

This study is looking at how certain genes can help identify women who might be at risk for breast cancer coming back many years after their initial treatment, so they can get the right preventive care to stay healthy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10779323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how gene expression can help identify women who are at high risk for experiencing late recurrence of breast cancer, which occurs more than 10 years after initial treatment. By analyzing the gene expression profiles of breast cancer patients who have remained recurrence-free for a decade, the study aims to differentiate those who may benefit from preventive therapies targeting dormant tumors. The research will involve a large cohort of both premenopausal and postmenopausal patients, following them for up to 20 years to gather comprehensive data on recurrence patterns. The goal is to develop a reliable prognostic tool that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have been diagnosed with ER-positive non-metastatic breast cancer and have remained recurrence-free for at least 10 years.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic breast cancer or those who have not reached the 10-year mark of being recurrence-free may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification of patients who need preventive treatment for late breast cancer recurrence, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has explored biomarkers for breast cancer recurrence, but this study aims to provide a novel approach by focusing specifically on late recurrences and utilizing a large, diverse patient sample.

Where this research is happening

BURLINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.