RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

TRIple Negative Breast Cancer Markers In Liquid Biopsies Using Artificial Intelligence

This study focuses on triple-negative breast cancer, a type that often needs strong chemotherapy. Sometimes, after chemotherapy, some cancer is still present, and doctors need to know if more treatment will help. This research uses a new method called a "liquid biopsy," which is a simple blood test, to look for tiny pieces of cancer DNA, RNA, and protein in the blood. By combining this information with clever computer programs (Artificial Intelligence), the researchers hope to create a new, smart test. This test aims to tell doctors early on if the cancer has spread beyond the breast or how much cancer is left after surgery. The goal is to help personalise treatment, so patients get exactly the care they need, avoiding unnecessary therapies.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Jewish General Hospital

Enrolment target

130

Start

05 Dec 2019

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Breast Cancer

What is this study about?

Triple-negative breast cancer is a more aggressive type of breast cancer that doesn't respond to some common treatments. Because of this, patients often receive strong chemotherapy, sometimes even before surgery. For many people, this chemotherapy works very well, making the tumor shrink or even disappear completely. These patients generally have good outcomes.

However, sometimes the chemotherapy doesn't remove all the cancer, and a small amount might remain after surgery. In these cases, doctors often recommend more chemotherapy to try and stop the cancer from coming back. The challenge is, not all patients actually need this extra chemotherapy – some would do well anyway. Giving unnecessary treatment can mean difficult side effects for no real benefit.

This study is exploring a new and exciting approach called a "liquid biopsy." Instead of a traditional biopsy, which takes a piece of tissue, a liquid biopsy is a simple blood test. It can detect tiny fragments of cancer cells' DNA, RNA, and proteins that circulate in your blood. By using advanced computer programs, known as Artificial Intelligence, researchers can analyse all this information from your blood and combine it with details from the tumor itself. The ultimate goal is to develop a smart new test that can tell doctors if the cancer has spread, how much cancer is left after initial treatments, and whether any extra treatments after surgery are actually working. This could help tailor treatments more precisely, giving you the best possible care while avoiding treatments you might not need.

Key takeaways

Exploring a new blood test (liquid biopsy) for triple-negative breast cancer.
Aims to predict cancer spread and remaining cancer after treatment.
Uses Artificial Intelligence to analyse complex patient data.
Could help personalise treatment and avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.
Your standard medical care will not change during the study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. You would need to have already received at least 8 weeks of chemotherapy before your surgery.

There are two main groups for this study: either you are waiting for surgery and doctors think some cancer might still be there, or you have already had surgery and tests showed some cancer cells were still present afterwards. You would also need to be willing to give blood samples regularly and attend follow-up appointments.

If your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, or if you've had breast cancer before and it has come back, this study might not be right for you. Also, if you haven't had enough chemotherapy before surgery, or if you've had radiotherapy before surgery, you likely wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have triple-negative breast cancer.
I have had at least 8 weeks of chemotherapy before surgery.
I either still have some cancer present before surgery, or after surgery.
I am willing to give blood samples and attend follow-up appointments.
My cancer has not spread to other parts of my body.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would need to visit the clinic for your usual follow-up appointments. During these visits, the study team would ask you to provide several blood samples. These blood samples will be taken at different times: before your surgery, shortly after surgery (within 6 weeks), and again within the next 6 months after surgery. There are no new medications given as part of this study, and your regular treatment will continue as planned by your doctors. The total duration of your participation in this study would be over several months, aligning with your standard cancer care follow-up.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, as its main aim is to help future patients. However, your involvement will provide vital information that could improve how triple-negative breast cancer is treated. The main risk involved is the discomfort of having blood tests, but these are generally safe and routine procedures. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (3)

St. Joseph's Health Care London
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting
The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Center
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada· Recruiting
Jewish General Hospital
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is triple-negative breast cancer?

It's a type of breast cancer that doesn't have certain features (receptors) that are targeted by some common cancer drugs, making treatment choices different.

What is a 'liquid biopsy'?

It's a simple blood test that can find tiny pieces of cancer material (like DNA) circulating in your blood, helping doctors learn about the cancer without a tissue biopsy.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) used for in this study?

AI helps analyse lots of complex information from your blood and tumor to create a smarter test that can predict how your cancer might behave and what treatment you need.

Will taking part change my current cancer treatment?

No, this study does not involve new treatments. Your medical team will continue to decide your care based on standard medical practice.

Are there any side effects from being in this study?

The only potential discomfort is from giving blood samples, which is a routine procedure.

How to find out more

Adriana Aguilar, PhD

nanaaguilar@gmail.com 514-340-8222 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.