Mayo Clinic breast cancer treatment and genetics program

Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer SPORE

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11176754

This program combines genetic testing and a new hormone‑targeting medicine called Z‑endoxifen to help women with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11176754 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

The program includes projects that study gene changes in ATM, BRCA2, CHEK2, and PALB2 to understand age‑related risk, risk of cancer in the other breast, and outcomes, and to clarify uncertain genetic test results. A clinical trial tests Z‑endoxifen, a drug that targets estrogen signaling in premenopausal women with ER+/HER2‑ breast cancer, to see if it improves hormone control. Researchers use patient blood and tissue samples, medical records, and advanced bioinformatics and statistics to link genetics with treatment response. Participation may involve providing samples, sharing health records, and attending clinic visits or trial treatment at Mayo Clinic sites.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Women with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer—especially premenopausal patients and those with suspected or known variants in ATM, BRCA2, CHEK2, or PALB2—are the best matches for participation.

Not a fit: People with ER‑negative breast cancer or those unwilling to provide biological samples or attend Mayo Clinic visits are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could give more personalized risk information, clearer interpretation of genetic test results, and improved endocrine treatment options for premenopausal ER+ breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Genetic testing and endocrine therapies have improved breast cancer care before, but using Z‑endoxifen's dual targeting is a newer approach that is still being tested in clinical trials.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.