Clinical trial Recruiting at 19 sites Interventional Ages 18 to 99 Women only

Re-irradiation for breast cancer using a short radiation course

Official title: Partial Breast Re-irradiation Using Ultra Hypofractionation: Phase 2 Multi-institutional Study (PRESERVE)

Run by University Health Network, Toronto · NCT05592938 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a shorter, one-week radiation treatment for women with recurring breast cancer to see if it is safer and leads to better results than the usual longer treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment171 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations19 sites (New York, New York and 18 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 27, 2023
Main results expectedJune 27, 2027
Study endsJune 27, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT05592938 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are women over 18 years old with in-breast recurrence or new primary breast cancer, having tumors less than 3.0 cm and at least 5 years since their last radiation treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with multicentric disease, node-positive or metastatic disease, or serious non-malignant conditions 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 investigates the safety and efficacy of partial breast re-irradiation (rPBI) using an ultra-hypofractionated approach for women who have experienced a recurrence of breast cancer after previous radiation treatment. The study aims to provide a shorter, more convenient 1-week radiation regimen following breast-conserving surgery, which is hypothesized to result in lower toxicity and improved cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional longer radiation schedules. Participants will be monitored for toxicity levels and overall treatment effectiveness over a year.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a less toxic and more convenient treatment option for women with recurrent breast cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise with similar hypofractionated approaches, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \> 18 years
* In-breast recurrence or new primary (ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive carcinoma)
* Tumour \<3.0 cm in greatest diameter on pathologic examination, including both invasive and non-invasive components
* \>5 years after completion of prior adjuvant whole or partial breast radiotherapy (prior nodal radiotherapy permitted)
* Clinically node negative
* Negative margins (no tumour on ink)
* Recovered from surgery with the incision completely healed and no signs of infection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multicentric disease (patients with multifocal breast cancer in the same quadrant are eligible)
* Tumour histology limited to lobular carcinoma only
* T4 disease
* Node positive or distant metastatic disease
* Serious non-malignant disease (cardiovascular, pulmonary, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma), which would preclude radiation treatment
* Currently pregnant or lactating
* Presence of an ipsilateral breast implant or pacemaker
* Unable to commence radiation within 16 weeks of breast-conserving surgery (or last surgical procedure on the breast) or within 12 weeks from last cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy
* Unable to clearly define the surgical cavity (oncoplastic procedures are permitted provided the tumor bed is well delineated with surgical clips).
* Psychiatric disorders which would preclude obtaining informed consent or adherence to protocol
* Grade II or more late skin toxicity from prior radiation evaluated and graded using CTCAE v5.0
* Current or prior diagnosis of bilateral breast cancer

Where it's running

  • NYU Langone Health
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • Columbia University Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • Virgina Community University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
    Richmond, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    Recruiting
  • A.C.Camargo Cancer Center
    São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
    Recruiting
  • Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
    Barrie, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
Show 13 more locations
  • London Health Science Centre - Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre
    London, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Lakeridge Health
    Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Odette Cancer Centre
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • CHU de Québec-Université Laval
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont - CIUSSS de l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Clinica IRAM
    Vitacura, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
    Recruiting
  • Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre
    Tel Aviv, Israel
    Recruiting
  • AOU Careggi - Florence University Hospital
    Florence, Italy
    Recruiting
  • King Hussein Cancer Centre
    Amman, Jordan, Jordan
    Recruiting
  • The Aga Khan University
    Nairobi, Kenya
    Recruiting
  • Universitiy Malaya Medical Centre
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    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.