Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up Women only

Biomarker-guided treatment for breast cancer in postmenopausal women

Official title: NeoTAILOR: A Phase II Biomarker-directed Approach to Guide Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Stage II/III ER-positive, HER2-negative Breast Cancer

Run by Washington University School of Medicine · NCT05837455 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using specific biomarkers can help doctors choose better treatments for postmenopausal women with certain types of breast cancer, especially to see if some patients can skip chemotherapy.

More Breast Cancer trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment81 (estimated)
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 30, 2024
Main results expectedNovember 30, 2027
Study endsNovember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedApril 13, 2026
Trial IDNCT05837455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include postmenopausal women with newly diagnosed clinical stage II or III ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.

Probably not a fit

Patients with non-ER-positive or HER2-positive breast cancer may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve neoadjuvant treatment selection for postmenopausal women with stage II/III ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer by utilizing a biomarker-driven approach. It focuses on identifying patients who may not require chemotherapy based on their Ki67 levels and PAM50 molecular subtypes. The study also emphasizes outcomes in Black patients, addressing disparities in breast cancer treatment. Participants will undergo specific assays and treatments based on their risk category determined by these biomarkers.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized treatment plans and potentially reduce unnecessary chemotherapy for certain patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in biomarker-driven approaches for breast cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically confirmed newly diagnosed clinical stage II or III (by AJCC 8th edition - at least T2, any N, M0 or if N1+ then any T) ER-positive (ER \> 10%), any PR, and HER2-negative breast cancer with complete surgical excision of the breast cancer after neoadjuvant therapy as the treatment goal.

  * HER2 negative must be assessed by FISH or IHC staining 0 or 1+ according to ASCO/CAP guidelines.
* A palpable mass is not required; however, tumor size must be either:

  * ≥2 cm in one dimension by clinical or radiographic examination (WHO criteria), if clinically axillary lymph node negative OR
  * Measureable (≥10 mm) by modified RECIST v1.1 for breast MRI (see Section 9.0), if histologically confirmed resectable locoregional nodal involvement.
* ECOG performance status 0 or 1.
* Eligible to receive neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor, as per treating physician.
* Eligible to receive neoadjuvant standard of care anthracycline- and/or taxane-based chemotherapy regimen, as per treating physician.
* Able to tolerate breast MRI with intravenous contrast administration. Must be able to complete the applicable MRI screening evaluation form.
* Adequate bone marrow and organ function, as determined by the treating physician.
* Known history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is permissible provided the patient has been treated and cured.
* At least 18 years of age.
* Postmenopausal status, defined as one of the following:

  * Age ≥ 60 years
  * Age \< 60 with intact uterus and amenorrhea for 12 consecutive months or more
  * Status post bilateral oophorectomy, total hysterectomy
* Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document (or that of legally authorized representative, if applicable), and willing and able to comply with scheduled visits and treatment schedule.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inflammatory breast cancer (cT4d disease as per AJCC 8th edition).
* Locally recurrent or metastatic disease (cM1 disease as per AJCC 8th edition).
* Bilateral breast cancer.
* Prior systemic therapy for the indexed breast cancer.
* Pre-existing Grade ≥2 neuropathy.
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness that would limit compliance with study requirements.
* A history of other malignancy ≤5 years prior to the indexed breast cancer diagnosis with the following exceptions:

  * Basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin which were treated with local resection only
  * Adequately treated carcinoma in situ of the cervix.
  * Prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment will not interfere with the safety or efficacy assessments of the indexed breast cancer. In this event, review and approval by the study PI is required.
* Concurrent participation in any investigational therapeutic trial for treatment of breast cancer.
* Known HIV positivity that in the judgement of the treating physician would impact safety of chemotherapy receipt.
* A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to anastrozole, taxanes (paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel), anthracyclines (doxorubicin or epirubicin) or cyclophosphamide.
* Evidence of uncontrolled ongoing or active infection, requiring parenteral anti-bacterial, anti-viral, or anti-fungal therapy ≤ 7 days prior to administration of study treatment. Patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., for prevention of a urinary tract infection or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are eligible.
* Any uncontrolled medical condition that in the opinion of the Investigator would pose a risk to participant safety or interfere with study participation or interpretation of individual participant results.

Where it's running

  • Washington University School of Medicine
    St Louis, Missouri, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Nusayba Bagegni, M.D. — Washington University School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Nusayba A Bagegni, M.D.
  • Email: nbagegni@wustl.edu
  • Phone: 314-273-3022

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.