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NCT02732171 · Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

PENN-Surveillance Markers of Utility for Recurrence After (Neo)Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer

What this study is about

This is a single center, forward-looking cross-sectional study of women who have completed therapy for primary breast cancer within 5 years of diagnosis and are at increased risk for relapse.

View original scientific description

This is a single center, prospective cross-sectional study of women who have completed therapy for primary breast cancer within 5 years of diagnosis and are at increased risk for relapse. Patients will undergo screening bone marrow aspirate to test for presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) Patients who harbor DTCs will be offered the opportunity for enrollment into a clinical trial of therapy targeting DTCs to prevent recurrence (separate protocols).

Interventions

OTHER

Research Blood Collection

Multiple tubes of research blood collected for biomarker analyses (circulating tumor material, immune profiling)

Primary outcome measures

Incidence and frequency of disseminated tumor cells

Time frame: DTCs will be assessed annually up to 5 years from date of primary diagnosis

Bone marrow sample is evaluated for DTCs by a standard immunohistochemistry assay (DTC-IHC)

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 within 5 years of study entry
  • Qualifying risk status, at diagnosis utilizing receptor testing by ASCO/CAP guidelines, meeting at least one of the following:
  • Pathologically-confirmed invasive breast cancer in axillary lymph nodes, regardless of receptors
  • Primary tumor with triple negative subtype: estrogen receptor (ER) \< 10%, progesterone receptor (PR) \< 10% and negative Her2-overexpression by ASCO-CAP guidelines
  • Primary tumor that is ER+/Her2 negative/Lymph node negative with a Breast Cancer Recurrence Score of ≥ 25 per the Genomic Health Oncotype DX breast cancer test and/or HighRisk MammaPrint
  • Evidence of residual disease in the breast on pathologic assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
  • Completed all primary therapy (surgery, (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant radiation, and/or Her2-directed therapy) for the index malignancy at least 4 weeks prior to study entry. Concurrent receipt of adjuvant endocrine therapy and bone modifying agents is allowed per standard of care. However, tamoxifen is not allowed on recurrence prevention trials that use Hydroxychloroquine. Patients on tamoxifen may still be enrolled on Penn-Surmount as long as the treating physician is aware and tamoxifen can be stopped if patient is DTC positive.
  • No evidence of local or distant recurrent disease by physical examination, blood tests (CBC, LFTs, Alk Phos), or symptom-directed imaging, per NCCN guidelines.
  • Adequate bone marrow function as shown by: ANC \>/= 1.5x10\^9/L, Platelets \>/= 100x10\^9/L, Hb \> 9 g/dL
  • Adequate liver function as shown by: Serum bilirubin \</= 1.5 x ULN, ALT and AST \</= 2.5 x ULN, and INR \</= 1.5
  • Normal coagulation studies: PT and PTT ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal per institutional laboratory range
  • Anti-coagulation 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 enrollment. For patients on therapeutic anti-coagulants, medication must be clinically held peri-procedure (bone marrow aspirate) per standard clinical management.
  • Adequate renal function: serum creatinine \</= 1.5 x ULN
  • Willing to undergo bone marrow aspiration and blood specimen collection per protocol specifications
  • Age 18 or over and able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Concurrent enrollment on another investigational therapy
  • Patients receiving chronic, high dose systemic treatment with corticosteroids defined as: chronic use of cortisone \>50mg; hydrocortisone \>40mg, prednisone \>10mg, methylprednisone \>8mg or dexamethasone \>1.5mg; or another immunosuppressive agent. Topical or inhaled corticosteroids are allowed.
  • EKG demonstrating QTC \> 480 ms
  • Patients who have any severe and/or uncontrolled medical conditions or other conditions that could affect their participation in the study such as:
  • History or evidence of increased cardiovascular risk including any of the following: (i) current clinically significant uncontrolled arrhythmias. Exception: Subjects with controlled atrial fibrillation, (ii) History of acute coronary syndromes (including myocardial infarction and unstable angina, coronary angioplasty, or stenting within 6 months prior to enrollment, (iii) Current \>/= Class II congestive heart failure as defined by New York Heart Association
  • History of pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease or severely impaired lung function with a previously documented spirometry and DLCO that is 50% of the normal predicted value and/or 02 saturation that is 88% or less at rest on room air
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Active (acute or chronic) or uncontrolled severe infections
  • Liver disease such as cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis or chronic persistent hepatitis
  • A known history of HIV seropositivity as reported by the patient
  • History of major surgical resection involving the stomach or small bowel, or pre-existing impairment of gastrointestinal function or gastrointestinal disease (e.g., ulcerative disease, Crohn's disease, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome or small bowel resection)
  • Patients with an active, bleeding diathesis
  • History of retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion
  • Female patients who are pregnant or breast feeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test.
  • Patients who have received prior treatment with a CDK4/6 inhibitor
  • Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Hydroxychloroquine or any of its derivatives
  • Patients with 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 who have initiated bone modifying agents within 3 months prior to study enrollment
  • A detailed assessment of Hepatitis B/C medical history and risk factors must be done at screening for all patients. HBV DNA and HCV RNA PCR testing are required at screening for all patients with a positive medical history based on risk factors and/or confirmation of prior HBV/HCV infection.

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 Aug 1, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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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?

Join others in Pennsylvania exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

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 600 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: NCT02732171. 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.