Evaluating immune and clinical responses in early-stage triple negative breast cancer with chemo-immunotherapy
Evaluating and Monitoring Immune and Clinical Responses in Early-Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemo-immunotherapy With Pembrolizumab
This study is testing if a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help people with early-stage triple negative breast cancer by looking at their immune responses and how well the treatment works.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05877859 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to assess the immune and clinical responses in patients with untreated Stage II-III triple negative breast cancer undergoing standard neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy. The primary objective is to determine if this treatment induces a specific pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in the blood shortly after treatment begins, which may correlate with a complete pathological response in the tumor. Secondary objectives include analyzing tissue samples for specific gene expression patterns that may indicate treatment outcomes. The study is observational and focuses on correlating immune responses with clinical results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are newly diagnosed, untreated patients with non-metastatic Stage II-III invasive triple negative breast cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with metastatic breast cancer or those who have received prior chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or immunotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of immune responses in triple negative breast cancer, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific correlation of immune responses with clinical outcomes in triple negative breast cancer is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Newly diagnosed, previously untreated, non-metastatic Stage II-III invasive breast cancer * Estrogen receptor IHC expression ≤10%; progesterone receptor IHC expression ≤ 10%; HER2 negative * HER2 negativity is defined as either of the following by local laboratory assessment: * IHC 0, 1+, or 2+ and In situ hybridization (ISH) non-amplified (ratio of HER2 to CEP17 \<2.0 or single probe average HER2 gene copy number \<4 signals/cell) * No prior chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or immunotherapy * Willingness and ability of the subject to comply with scheduled visits, standard of care drug administration plan, protocol-specified laboratory tests, other study procedures, and study restrictions. * Evidence of a personally signed informed consent indicating that the subject is aware of the neoplastic nature of the disease and has been informed of the procedures to be followed, the experimental nature of the therapy, alternatives, potential risks and discomforts, potential benefits, and other pertinent aspects of study participation. Exclusion Criteria: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study * Patients who are receiving any other investigational agents or an investigational device within 21 days before administration of first dose of study drugs. * Patients on steroid medications (i.e. prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.) that are not part of the standard pre-medications and/or take home medications that are included as a part of medication regimen for the pre-operative chemo-immunotherapy described in the study. * History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to agents used in this study. * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements. * HIV-positive patients on combination antiretroviral therapy are ineligible because of the potential for pharmacokinetic interactions with study agents. In addition, these patients are at increased risk of lethal infections when treated with marrow-suppressive therapy. Appropriate studies will be undertaken in patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy when indicated.
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Emory University/Winship Cancer Institute — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ruth Sacks, MD — Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Ruth Sacks, MD
- Email: rlsacks@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-778-1900
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.