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NCT04523857 · Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

ABemacicliB or Abemaciclib and HydroxYchloroquine to Target Minimal Residual Disease in Breast Cancer

(ABBY)

What this study is about

This is a Phase II randomly assigned, controlled, open label breast cancer clinical trial. 66 patients will be enrolled. The drugs being studied are hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and abemaciclib (also Verzenio). This research study is testing whether using these drugs to target the disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow can reduce their number or eliminate them.

View original scientific description

This is a Phase II randomized, controlled, open label breast cancer clinical trial. 66 patients will be enrolled. The drugs being studied are hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and abemaciclib (also Verzenio). This research study is testing whether using these drugs to target the disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow can reduce their number or eliminate them. Both hydroxychloroquine and abemaciclib are pills that will be taken twice daily.

Interventions

DRUG

Abemaciclib

Oral CDK4/6 inhibitor to target bone marrow disseminated tumor cells (DTCs)

DRUG

Hydroxychloroquine

Oral autophagy inhibitor to target bone marrow disseminated tumor cells (DTCs)

Primary outcome measures

Incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events during cycle 1 of the safety cohort (safety of combination HCQ + Abema)

Time frame: Toxicity is assessed over the first cycle (4 weeks) of treatment

Rate of protocol defined "severe toxicity" during cycle 1 (4 weeks) of combination HCQ 600mg BID and Abema (at 100 mg and 150 mg BID) in a safety cohort of 6 patients at each dose of Abema

Change in bone marrow DTC number evaluated by DTC-IHC assay after 6 cycles of therapy compared to baseline (Efficacy of Abema +/- HCQ in eliminating bone marrow DTCs)

Time frame: 6 cycles (approximately 6 months)

Frequency of "clearance" of bone marrow DTCs by arm after 6 cycles of study treatment.

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

  • Histologically-confirmed, primary, invasive breast cancer diagnosed within 5 years of entry into the companion DTC screening protocol UPCC 28115
  • Qualifying risk status, at diagnosis utilizing receptor testing by ASCO/CAP guidelines, meting at least one of the following: (i) Lymph node involvement a. Pathologically-confirmed positive axillary lymph nodes, regardless of receptors, or (b) Evidence of lymph node involvement by preoperative imaging AND fibrosis and/or treatment effect in lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy, regardless of receptor status (ii) Primary tumor that is ER/PR/Her2 negative: estrogen receptor (ER) \< 10%, progesterone receptor (PR) \< 10% and negative for Her2-overexpression by ASCO-CAP guidelines, regardless of lymph nodes status (iii) Primary tumor that is ER+/Her2 negative/Lymph node negative with Breast Cancer Recurrence Score of \>/= 25 per the Genomic Health Oncotype DX breast cancer test and/or high risk MammaPrint (iv) Evidence of residual disease in the breast on pathologic assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
  • Patients must have completed all primary therapy (definitive surgery, (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy adjuvant radiation and/or Her2-directed therapy) for the index malignancy at least 4 weeks prior to study entry. Prior treatment-related toxicity must be resolved or improving to Grade 1 with the exception of alopecia, Grade 2 endocrine disorders (e.g. adrenal insufficiency or thyroid disorders from prior immunotherapy) controlled on stable replacement therapy for \> 1 year, and up to Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy, prior to study enrollment. Concurrent receipt of adjuvant endocrine and bone modifying agents is allowed per standard of care guidelines. Tamoxifen is not allowed due to drug-drug interactions with HCQ.
  • Bone marrow aspirate obtained via research trial UPCC 28115 after completion of therapy (except endocrine therapy) demonstrates detectable DTCs (via IHC)
  • No evidence of recurrent local or distant breast cancer by physical examination, blood tests (CBC, LFTs, Alk Phos), or imaging. Assessment for overt metastatic disease by radiologic testing per institutional guidelines (CT Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis, bone scan, MRI and/or PET/CT) will only be done in patients with DTCs detected on bone marrow aspirate who are being screened for this trial.
  • Age \>/= 18 years
  • ECOG performance status =/\< 2
  • Ability to swallow oral medications
  • No contraindications to the study medications or uncontrolled medical illness.
  • Adequate bone marrow function as shown by: ANC \>/= 1.5 x 10\^9/L, Platelets \>/= 100 x 10\^9/L, Hb \>9 g/dL
  • Adequate liver function as shown by: Serum bilirubin \</= 1.5 x ULN, ALT and AST \</= 3.0 x ULN, and INR \</=1.5
  • Adequate renal function: serum creatinine \</= 1.5 x ULN
  • Adequate muscle function: creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) \</= 2.5 x ULN
  • Anticoagulation is allowed if target INR =/\< 1.5 on a stable dose of warfarin or on a stable dose of anticoagulant for \>2 weeks at time of randomization
  • Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Concurrent enrollment on another investigational therapy
  • Patient has received an experimental treatment in a clinical trial within the last 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to randomization (or treatment assignment), or is currently enrolled in any other type of medical research (for example: medical device) judged by the sponsor not to be scientifically or medically compatible with this study.
  • Prior treatment with abemaciclib is not allowed. (Patients may have received prior CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy with an agent other than abemaciclib. Patients must have discontinued CDK4/6 inhibitor at least 6 months prior to screening.)
  • Known hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or any of its derivatives
  • Prior hydroxychloroquine exposure for a duration of \> 1 month since the completion of the patient's primary therapy (definitive surgery, (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiation, and/or Her2-directed therapy) for the index malignancy.
  • Patients with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer may not be receiving tamoxifen due to drug-drug interactions with hydroxychloroquine
  • Patients who have initiated bone modifying agents within 3 months prior to the start of study treatment
  • Patients who have had major surgery within 14 days prior to randomization (or treatment assignment)
  • Patients who have any severe and/or uncontrolled medical conditions or other conditions that could affect their participation in the study
  • Female patients who are pregnant or breast feeding, or adults of reproductive potential who are not using effective birth control methods.
  • Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days prior to the first dose of Abema

Where

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Related conditions & keywords

Breast Cancer

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 May 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 44 participants interested
2% interest

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Study locations

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RECRUITING

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

Location available

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Breast Cancer Treatment in Philadelphia?

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Breast Cancer Treatment Options in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you're searching for Breast Cancer treatment in Philadelphia, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Breast Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Pennsylvania
Now Enrolling
Up to 44 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Breast Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Breast Cancer

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Breast Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT04523857. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.