Comparison of tumor microenvironment in breast cancer patients

Differential Comparison of the Breast Tumor Microenvironment Between Luminal A and Triple Negative Breast Cancer With and Without Radiation Treatment

Observational Columbia University · NCT03165487

This study looks at how the normal tissue around breast tumors affects cancer behavior and treatment response in patients with luminal A and triple negative breast cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT03165487 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to identify a molecular signature of tumor stroma from normal adjacent breast tissue collected during breast conserving surgery in patients with luminal A and triple negative breast cancer. The study will analyze tissue samples taken before and after intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) to understand how the surrounding normal tissue influences tumor behavior and treatment response. By stabilizing the tissue rapidly, researchers will identify protein differences that may serve as markers for predicting tumor recurrence. This observational study focuses on the role of the microenvironment in breast cancer outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 40 and older with specific types of breast cancer who are undergoing breast conserving surgery and IORT.

Not a fit: Patients with multifocal disease, invasive lobular carcinoma, or those with contraindications to radiation therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for predicting breast cancer recurrence based on molecular markers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding the tumor microenvironment, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female, age greater than or equal to 40
* Core biopsy proven invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), all subtypes excluding invasive lobular carcinoma due to increased risk for multifocal disease
* Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative regardless of hormone receptor status
* Clinically less than or equal to 3cm unifocal lesion
* Clinically node negative
* Must have diagnostic mammogram performed within last 6 months
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) less than or equal to 1
* Appropriate renal, liver, and hematologic lab values
* Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multifocal disease
* Clinically N1 disease at diagnosis
* Invasive lobular carcinoma
* Metastatic disease
* Patients for whom RT would be contraindicated (e.g., connective tissue disorder or prior ipsilateral breast radiation)
* Patients with known BRCA1/2 mutations
* Pregnant or nursing

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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.
Conditions Triple Negative Breast CancerHormone Receptor Positive Malignant Neoplasm of BreastmicroenvironmentIORTHormone Receptor Positive, HER 2 negative
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.