NCT04891068 · University of Illinois at Chicago
BRE-04: Window of Opportunity Trial of Preoperative Low Dose Azacitidine in High-Risk Early Stage Breast Cancer
(BRE-04)
What this study is about
To determine the effect of low dose azacitidine therapy on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in primary tumors from patients with high-risk early stage breast cancer, paired t-tests will be first used to compare TIL count in pre- and post-treatment specimens.
View original scientific description
To determine the effect of low dose azacitidine therapy on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in primary tumors from patients with high-risk early stage breast cancer, paired t-tests will be first used to compare TIL count in pre- and post-treatment specimens.
Interventions
DRUG
Azacitidine
5-Azacitidine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analog in which nitrogen replaces carbon at position 5
Primary outcome measures
Change in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) count in primary tumors from patients with high-risk early stage breast cancer following low-dose azacitidine therapy.
Time frame: 2 weeks from first dose of azacitidine
Number of participants that show tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in primary tumors from patients with high-risk early stage breast cancer
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years of age at time of consent
- ECOG 0, 1, or 2
- Histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma documented by biopsy. AJCC 8th edition clinical stage T1a-T3/N0-N1/M0 by physical exam or radiologic studies
- Disease characteristics I. TNBC (Less than or equal to 10% of tumor cells staining for ER and for PR by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HER2-negative, as defined by ASCO/CAP guidelines) OR II. ER positive (as determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC)) and any of the following high risk characteristics:
- HER2 positive (IHC or FISH)
- Node positive
- Any clinical high-risk expression profile (mammaprint, oncotype, endopredict)
- PR negative (IHC) OR III. HER 2 positive (as defined by ASCO/ACP guidelines) f. Demonstrates adequate organ function as defined in table below. All screening labs to be obtained within 30 days prior to registration. System Laboratory Value Hematological Leukocytes ≥3,000/mm3 Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm3 Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) ≥ 1,500/mm3 Hemoglobin (Hgb) ≥ 9.0 g/dL Renal Creatinine/Calculated creatinine clearance (CrCl) Cr \< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or CrCl ≥ 50 mL/min using the Cockcroft-Gault formula Hepatic Bilirubin Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 × ULN. Subjects with Gilbert's syndrome may have a bilirubin \> 1.5 × ULN, if no evidence of biliary obstruction exists Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤ 2.5 × ULN Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 × ULN g. No evidence of distant metastases (M0 per AJCC staging guidelines) h. Provided written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information, via an approved UIC Institutional Review Board (IRB) informed consent form and HIPAA authorization. i. Women of childbearing potential must not be pregnant or breast-feeding. A negative serum or urine pregnancy test is required per institutional practice guidelines. j. As determined at the discretion of the enrolling physician or protocol designee, ability of the subject to understand and comply with study procedures for the entire length of the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Previous anti-cancer treatment (cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biologic therapy, radiotherapy directed towards the primary breast tumor and/or ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes or investigational agents) with therapeutic intent for the current breast cancer.
- Any type of breast implants
- Active infection requiring systemic therapy
- Uncontrolled HIV/AIDS or active viral hepatitis
- Pregnant or nursing
- Any prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment has the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of this investigational regimen, as determined by the treating medical oncologist.
- Any mental or medical condition that prevents the patient from giving informed consent or participating in the trial unless a Legal Authorized Representative (LAR) is in place to sign on behalf of the patient.
- Other major comorbidity, as determined by study PI
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations