Analyzing tumor DNA in patients with low HER2 advanced breast cancer

A Pilot Study on the Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in HER2-low Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer

European Institute of Oncology · NCT06706557

This study is testing if analyzing tumor DNA in patients with advanced breast cancer that has low HER2 levels can help track how the disease is progressing and how well treatments are working.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorEuropean Institute of Oncology (other)
Locations1 site (Milan, MI)
Trial IDNCT06706557 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study focuses on the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic breast cancer that exhibits low levels of HER2 expression. The study aims to assess the feasibility of ctDNA analysis in this specific patient population, defined by immunohistochemistry scores of 1+ or 2+ without gene amplification. A total of 30 patients will be enrolled, and their ctDNA will be monitored to gather insights into the disease's progression and treatment response. The study is conducted at a single center, the European Institute of Oncology in Milan.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic breast cancer characterized by low HER2 expression levels.

Not a fit: Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer or those not in an advanced or metastatic stage may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of tumor dynamics in HER2-low breast cancer, potentially leading to better-targeted therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on ctDNA in various cancers have shown promise, this specific focus on HER2-low advanced breast cancer is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Participants diagnosed with HER2-low breast cancer, defined as IHC score 1+ or 2+ and not amplified at in situ hybridization (ISH) test as confirmed by local laboratory testing.
* Participants should be at advanced or metastatic setting prior to treatment.
* Written informed consent (Accordo di Partecipazione alla Ricerca Scientifica) and specific informed consent to the study must be signed and dated by the patient and the doctor prior to inclusion.
* Patients must be accessible for follow-up.

Where this trial is running

Milan, MI

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Advanced Metastatic Breast Cancer

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.