NCT05919108 · Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Neoadjuvant Neratinib in Stage I-III HER2-Mutated Lobular Breast Cancers
What this study is about
This phase II trial tests how well neratinib prior to the primary treatment (neoadjuvant) works in treating patients with stage I-III HER2 mutated lobular breast cancers. Neratinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
View original scientific description
This phase II trial tests how well neratinib prior to the primary treatment (neoadjuvant) works in treating patients with stage I-III HER2 mutated lobular breast cancers. Neratinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Endocrine Therapy
Undergo endocrine therapy
PROCEDURE
Biopsy of breast
Undergo breast biopsy
DRUG
Neratinib
Taken by mouth
PROCEDURE
Biospecimen Collection
Undergo collection of blood samples
PROCEDURE
Mammogram
Undergo Mammogram
PROCEDURE
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Undergo breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PROCEDURE
Breast Surgery
Undergo Breast Surgery
PROCEDURE
Ultrasound
Undergo Ultrasound
Primary outcome measures
Preoperative endocrine prognostic index score
Time frame: Up to 5 years
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
- Each patient will be entered into this study only if all of these criteria are met:
- Subjects aged 18 years or older at signing of informed consent.
- New diagnosis of clinical stage I-III HR+ histologically-proven (i.e. absent or decreased e-cadherin expression) invasive lobular carcinoma
- Synchronous breast tumors are permitted as long as the synchronous tumor is ER+ and HER2-negative.
- ER+ disease defined as ≥1% estrogen receptor (ER) positive consistent with current American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) or European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines)
- At the time of screening, histologically confirmed cancers in patients with previously documented activating HER2 mutation (see Appendix A) confirmed by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified or equivalent laboratory.
- Archival tissue availability (if not available a fresh tumor biopsy will be required) and subject must agree to submission of sample for central testing
- Minimum tumor size of ≥1.5 cm by US, mammogram, MRI imaging, or clinical breast exam
- ECOG performance status 0 or 1
- Patients must have adequate hematologic, hepatic, and renal function. All laboratory tests must be obtained within 1 month of study entry. This includes:
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥50 mL/min
- Albumin ≥ 2.5 g/dL
- ANC ≥1500/mm\^3
- Platelet count ≥100,000/mm\^3
- HgB ≥ 9 g/dL
- Total serum bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN (in patients with known Gilbert Syndrome, a total bilirubin ≤ 3.0 x ULN, with direct bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN)
- AST and ALT ≤ 3 x ULN
- Pre-, peri-, or post-menopausal, confirmed by history or laboratory testing as needed
- Diagnostic biopsy tissue availability with sufficient tumor to permit NGS (if not available, a fresh biopsy will be required)
- No prior treatment for current diagnosis of breast cancer
- For patients who are not postmenopausal (women) or surgically sterile (absence of ovaries and/or uterus or vasectomy), agreement to remain abstinent or to use two adequate methods of contraception (e.g., condoms, diaphragm, vasectomy/vasectomized partner, tubal ligation), during the treatment period and for at least 30 days after the last dose of study treatment. Hormone based oral contraceptives are not allowed on study. Postmenopausal is defined as:
- Age ≥ 55 years
- Age ≤ 55 years and amenorrheic for 12 months in the absence of chemotherapy, tamoxifen, toremifene, or ovarian suppression; or follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol in the postmenopausal range. Female participants of childbearing potential are eligible to participate if they agree to use a highly effective method of contraception that has a low user dependency consistently and correctly. Note: The effects of neratinib on the developing fetus are unknown and endocrine therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy. For this reason and because teratogenic effects have been observed in nonclinical studies and neratinib, women of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of the study participation, and for 1 month after the last dose of study medication. Should a woman become pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study, for the duration of study participation and 3.5 months after completion of study treatment.
Exclusion criteria
- Evidence of distant metastatic disease
- Synchronous breast cancer that is estrogen receptor negative OR HER2-amplified OR requires treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy per the judgement of the treating physician
- Patients harboring ineligible somatic HER2 mutations, such as those that are subclonal in nature or those resulting in the expression of truncated proteins including alterations that result in premature stop codon or a change in reading frame (ie, frame shift mutations).
- Prior endocrine therapy for breast cancer within the last 2 years
- Women who are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- Any investigational treatment for the current diagnosis of breast cancer
- HER2 amplification by FISH (HER2:CEP17 ratio \>2.0) or IHC (HER2 (3+)
- Hepatic function impairment as defined by AST or ALT \> 3x ULN OR total serum bilirubin \> 1.5 (in patients with known Gilbert syndrome, a total bilirubin of \> 3.0 x ULN or direct bilirubin \> 1.5 x ULN)
- Significant chronic gastrointestinal disorder with diarrhea as a major symptom (eg, Crohn's disease, malabsorption, or Grade ≥2 National Cancer Institute \[NCI\] Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 \[CTCAE version 4.0\] diarrhea of any etiology at baseline.
- Evidence of significant medical illness, abnormal laboratory finding, or psychiatric illness/social situations that could, in the Investigator's judgment, make the patient inappropriate for this study.
- Known hypersensitivity to any component of the investigational product, required combination therapy, or loperamide.
- Unable or unwilling to swallow tablets.
- Unable or unwilling to complete study procedures such as research biopsies or imaging
- Any medical condition that in the judgement of the co-investigator would impair the patient's ability to complete the planned study therapy
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Dallas, Texas
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI), Puma Biotechnology, Inc.
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 Aug 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations