NCT05309655 · Duke University
Cardiac Outcomes With Near-Complete Estrogen Deprivation
(CROWN)
What this study is about
The purpose of this research study is to understand what effect near complete estrogen deprivation (NCED) therapy has on the heart in breast cancer patients. Investigators want to understand if NCED changes how the heart works.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this research study is to understand what effect near complete estrogen deprivation (NCED) therapy has on the heart in breast cancer patients. Investigators want to understand if NCED changes how the heart works.
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
- Women age ≤55 who were premenopausal at the time of breast cancer diagnosis; (Premenopausal is defined as per NCCN criteria).
- Planned breast cancer treatment with NCED (near-complete estrogen deprivation) therapy that includes aromatase inhibitor therapy (or SERD) with medically or surgically induced menopause within three (3) months of initiating NCED (HR-positive tumor) or, for the cohorts not receiving NCED therapy, within three (3) months of planned chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. Index date for three months is defined as final date of treatment with chemotherapy, surgery or radiation which ever happens last (HR-negative tumor). Treatment with a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist for fertility preservation during chemotherapy is allowed and is not considered part of the NCED antineoplastic therapy.
- Women with human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) negative and women with human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) positive breast cancer are eligible.
- Treatment with CDK-inhibitor, PARP inhibitor immunotherapy or biologic (non-chemotherapy) agent as part of anti-neoplastic treatment plan is allowed. These agents are not considered chemotherapy.
- Treatment with selective-estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) rather than aromatase inhibitor is allowed.
- Diagnosed with Stage I-III breast cancer.
- ECOG performance status of 0-2
- Patients with concurrent malignancies are eligible as long as therapies and disease course for these are reasonably expected to not impact cardiovascular function. (Examples of eligible malignancies include: papillary/follicular thyroid cancer, basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, in-situ and early stage cervical cancers, etc.).
- Patients with prior COVID-19 are eligible if they have recovered from the illness and are free of COVID-related symptoms other than allowable persistent symptoms: loss of taste and smell and/or grade 1 fatigue.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign an IRB-approved informed consent document (either directly or via a legally authorized representative).
- The study will allow up to 30% of patients with MRI non-compatible breast expanders recognizing that baseline CMR will be outside of imaging window. Note: Registration of these participants will require study PI approval (Dr. Jordan or Dr. Thomas).
Exclusion criteria
- History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to adenosine
- Active wheezing.
- Those with contraindications for MRI such as ferromagnetic cerebral aneurysm clips or other intracranial metal, pacemakers, defibrillators, functioning neurostimulator devices or other implanted electronic devices, or some breast expanders.
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
- Pregnant women are excluded from this study. Because some methods of birth control are not 100% reliable, a pregnancy test is required, unless the patient has undergone either a bilateral oophorectomy, hysterectomy or both.
- Coronary revascularization in the past 6 months or known severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease previously determined to be not amendable to mechanical intervention.
- Ongoing, unrelieved symptoms thought to represent cardiac ischemia and requiring immediate cardiac catheterization
- Allergy or prior sensitivity to gadolinium or other contrasting agents or their excipients.
- Men with breast cancer.
- Known chronic renal insufficiency or chronic electrolyte abnormalities as determined by the treating physician.
Where
- Durham, North Carolina
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
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 Mar 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations