Is NCT04234386 recruiting in Bel Air, MD?

Yes, NCT04234386 is currently recruiting participants at its Bel Air, MD location. This breast cancer clinical trial is actively enrolling qualified participants.

How do I join the breast cancer clinical trial in Bel Air?

To join this clinical trial in Bel Air, complete the eligibility form on this page. A study coordinator will contact you to discuss next steps and determine if you qualify.

Is participation in this Bel Air clinical trial free?

Yes, all study-related care is provided at no cost to qualified participants. Many studies also offer compensation for time and travel expenses.

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial in Bel Air, MD

About This Breast Cancer Study in Bel Air

The GammaPod machine was made by Xcision Medical Systems and is already FDA cleared to deliver focused radiation within the breast. Unlike current radiation machines, the GammaPod was designed specifically for treating breast cancer. The GammaPod can pinpoint radiation to the tumor bed in the breast which lowers the amount of radiation to nearby tissues. The machine uses a breast cup system to hold the breast in place for the treatment. This breast cup system was tested at MSGCCC (Marlene Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center). Patients reported this system was more comfortable than an MRI or mammogram. The cup system was able to securely position the breast for treatment in the correct location. Receiving radiation before surgery is not a new concept in cancer management. Preoperative radiation has proven to result in improved disease free survival in certain types of cancer. With this study treatment, the participants will receive a dose of breast radiation therapy before the lumpectomy surgery. The lumpectomy surgery is where they remove the participant's tumor. The purpose of this research study is to determine a safe and effective dose of pre-operative radiation to treat early stage breast cancer. The pre-operative radiation is delivered using the FDA approved, GammaPod machine. The study will also determine the cosmesis of pre-operative radiation at different doses. Cosmesis is another word for looking at skin changes. The research team will use questionnaires for patient and physicians to assess adverse cosmesis changes as accurately as possible. In addition, the investigators are going to assess radiation related changes using photo software analysis tools and patients quality of life.

Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Patients must sign consent for study participation.

Patients must be female with a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. Lobular histologies will not be included, because of difficulty in defining the extent of disease with imaging.

Patients must be deemed appropriate candidates for breast-conserving therapy (i.e., not pregnant, never had RT to the treated breast, breast size would allow adequate cosmesis after volume loss from partial mastectomy).

Tumor must not involve the overlying skin or underlying chest wall, based on imaging evaluation and/or clinical exam.

Greatest tumor dimension is \<3 cm based on US. MR imaging measurements can be included only if performed BEFORE the biopsy (postbiopsy measurements can be larger as a result of hematoma formation or increased edema).

Tumor must be unifocal.

Patients must be \> 45 years old.

The tumor must be visible on a CT scan.

Patients must undergo MR imaging for work-up to aid in tumor delineation and to rule out additional foci of disease. If additional foci of disease are found to be present, then these must be biopsied with negative results to proceed with treatment.

The tumor must be clinically and radiographically N0 (node negative). If a suspicious node is visualized, it must be biopsied with negative results.

Patients must be estrogen-receptor positive.

Patients must be HER2neu negative.

Patients must weigh \<150 kg (330 lb), which is the limit of the imaging loader.

Patients must be \<6'6" in height, again because of instrumentation limitations.

Patients must be able to lie prone for treatment.

Patients must have no lymphovascular invasion on biopsy.

Patients may be taking hormonal therapy prior to initiation of treatment. This will be documented.

Exclusion Criteria

Multicentric disease.

Prior RT to the involved breast.

Inability to fit into the immobilization breast cup because of breast size or other anatomic reasons.

Inability to obtain an adequate seal when using the immobilization breast cup.

Breast implants.

Patient cannot comfortably lie in the prone position (i.e., physical disability).

Patients who are planned to be treated surgically with a mastectomy.

Tumor \<5 mm from the skin surface or chest wall on clinical exam and/or radiographic imaging.

Tumor size \>3 cm.

Patients with psychiatric or addictive disorders that would preclude obtaining informed consent or study completion.

Patients who are pregnant or lactating (because of potential RT exposure to the fetus and unknown effects of RT in lactating women).

Patient unable to undergo MR imaging (e.g., because of known contrast reaction or concerns about contrast and existing health status).

Lymphovascular invasion on original biopsy.

Tumor histologies other than invasive ductal carcinoma (including invasive lobular carcinoma).

ER-negative tumors.

HER2neu-positive tumors.

Pure ductal carcinoma in situ (no invasive component).

Weight \>330 lb

Prior ipsilateral breast cancer.

Diffuse calcifications on mammogram (BIRADS 3, 4, 5).

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bel Air?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT04234386) has an active research site in Bel Air, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options in Bel Air, MD

If you're searching for breast cancer treatment options in Bel Air, MD, this clinical trial (NCT04234386) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bel Air research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced breast cancer specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all breast cancer clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial in Bel Air, MD

Expert Care in Bel Air

IRB Approved

No-Cost Care

Apply for This Bel Air Location

Why Participate?

Simple Process