Tissue collection during breast cancer surgery
Official title: Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Breast Cancer: Tissue and Specimen Collection
Run by Northwestern University · NCT00898131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project collects and stores tumor tissue from women having surgery for breast cancer so researchers can use the samples in future lab studies.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 10000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 2001 |
| Main results expected | January 2026 |
| Study ends | January 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT00898131 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women with breast cancer who are scheduled for surgical removal of their tumor and are willing to donate the removed tissue are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People not having surgery, those who decline tissue donation, or those whose samples are inadequate would not be enrolled and would not directly benefit from this project.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational effort collects tumor tissue from women undergoing surgical treatment for breast cancer and stores the samples for future laboratory work. Collected specimens are processed and used to create tumor-type microarrays for internal use by the Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). There is no experimental treatment involved; participation means consenting to donate tissue removed during clinically indicated surgery. The study aims to enroll up to 1,250 patients to build a broadly useful tissue resource.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tissue collection could enable future discoveries of biomarkers and treatment targets that improve diagnosis and care for people with breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Biobanking tumor tissue and creating microarrays is a well-established approach that has supported many discoveries in cancer biology and biomarker development.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Undergoing surgery for breast cancer
Where it's running
-
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Piotr Kulesza, MD, PhD — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Seema Khan, MD
- Email: cancertrials@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-695-1301
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Gyrotonic exercise for elders with breast cancer and Behcet disease
We’re testing whether a gyrotonic exercise program helps older people who have both Behcet disease and breast cancer.
-
PECS II vs SPSIP nerve blocks for pain after mastectomy
This study tests whether two ultrasound-guided nerve blocks (PECS II and SPSIP) differ in how much opioid patients need after mastectomy.
-
CG-7321: a first-in-human test in advanced solid tumors
We’re testing CG-7321 alone and with fulvestrant to see if it’s safe and tolerable in adults with advanced solid tumors.
-
Compare a new endoscopy-assisted breast-conserving surgery with the usual approach
This study tests whether a new endoscopy-assisted breast-conserving technique can provide similar or better cosmetic outcomes and safety compared with conventional breast-conserving surgery in women with early breast cancer who want to preserve their breast.
-
Different skin care approaches to prevent skin reactions after mastectomy radiation
This study tests three standard skin care methods to see which best prevents radiation dermatitis in people who had a mastectomy and are receiving post-mastectomy radiation therapy.
-
3D Heart Strain to Detect Early Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Therapy
This study tests whether 3D echocardiography can detect early heart damage from cancer treatments like anthracyclines or HER2-targeted therapy better than standard 2D methods.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.