Improving treatment decisions for older women with early-stage breast cancer
Official title: Patient-Centered Insights from the POWER Trial: Pre-Operative Window of Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy to Inform Radiation Therapy Decisions in Older Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10745737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a short treatment before surgery for early-stage breast cancer can help women aged 65 and older, along with their doctors, decide on the best follow-up radiation therapy options, so they can make choices that fit their personal health needs and preferences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $175,328 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277311-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10745737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced breast cancer or those who are not eligible for surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing treatment options for women aged 65 and older diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. It investigates the effects of a three-month course of pre-operative endocrine therapy (pre-ET) on patients' and physicians' preferences regarding adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) after breast conserving surgery. By evaluating how pre-ET influences treatment decisions, the study aims to provide personalized insights that consider patient preferences, life expectancy, and co-morbidities. The goal is to empower patients with information to make informed choices about their treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for older women with early-stage breast cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that personalized treatment approaches can improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this innovative method may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Showalter, Shayna Lefrak — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Showalter, Shayna Lefrak
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.