Using Simvastatin to Improve Treatment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Vimentin Expression-based Therapeutic Response in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Receiving Combination of Simvastatin and NAC: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

PHASE2 · Indonesia University · NCT05550415

This study is testing if adding simvastatin to chemotherapy can help women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer respond better to treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorIndonesia University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin
Locations1 site (Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta)
Trial IDNCT05550415 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of simvastatin on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It aims to evaluate whether the combination of simvastatin and chemotherapy can enhance therapeutic responses by targeting EMT markers, particularly vimentin, which is associated with cancer aggressiveness and resistance to treatment. Female patients with advanced TNBC will receive either simvastatin or a placebo alongside their chemotherapy regimen over eight cycles. The study seeks to determine if simvastatin can improve outcomes for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients over 18 years old with advanced triple-negative breast cancer who are scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have previously received chemotherapy or statin therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment responses and outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of statins in cancer treatment is being explored, this specific combination approach with simvastatin and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in TNBC is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female patients with advanced breast cancer (locally advanced and distantly advanced) with triple-negative molecular type confirmed by biopsy and immunohistochemical examination.
2. The patient planned to receive 8 cycles of AC-T chemotherapy.
3. Patient age \> 18 years.
4. Willing to participate in research by signing informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
2. Patients who have received chemotherapy or are on simvastatin therapy.
3. Allergy to statins.

Where this trial is running

Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy Effect, Simvastatin Adverse Reaction, Vimentin, Simvastatin, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Clinical Response

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.