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

Preoperative radiotherapy for early stage breast cancer

Official title: Phase I/II Clinical Trial on Single Fraction Ablative Preoperative Radiation Treatment for Early Stage Breast Cancer

Run by European Institute of Oncology · NCT04679454 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a single dose of targeted radiation before surgery can safely help patients with early-stage breast cancer by shrinking their tumors.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexWomen only
Enrollment79 (estimated)
SponsorEuropean Institute of Oncology
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Milan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 31, 2021
Main results expectedMarch 2026
Study endsMarch 2029
Registry record updatedAugust 5, 2024
Trial IDNCT04679454 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with histologically proven unifocal adenocarcinoma of the breast, T1-T2 tumors up to 2.5 cm, and good general health.

Probably not a fit

Patients with tumors close to the skin or chest wall, pure non-invasive tumors, or those who have received prior radiation therapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy 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 clinical trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a single fraction of preoperative ablative radiotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer. It consists of two main sections: a technical study focusing on the setup and dosimetric aspects of the CyberKnife system, and a clinical study that includes a phase I dose escalation to determine the maximum tolerated dose and a phase II study to assess the rate of pathological complete response. Patients will undergo surgical tumor removal 4-8 weeks after the radioablation treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes by enhancing the rate of complete pathological response in early-stage breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored preoperative radiotherapy, but this specific approach using a single fraction and the CyberKnife system is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven unifocal adenocarcinoma
* T1-T2
* Tumor size up to 2.5 cm
* cN0
* Age ≥ 18 years old
* Good general condition (ECOG 0-2)
* Planned BCS
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Tumor close to skin or chest wall
* Pure non-invasive tumor
* Prior RT to the chest
* Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
* Collagenopathies
* Coagulation or autoimmunitary disorders
* Previous malignancies

Where it's running

  • IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS
    Milan, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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.