Correlation Between TILs and Blood Cell Counts in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients
The PERCEPTION study is looking into triple negative breast cancer, which can be a more aggressive type. Researchers want to understand if there's a link between the number of different cells in a patient's blood (like white blood cells called leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets) and special immune cells found within their tumour, known as tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). They will check these at the start of treatment and after surgery. This study also aims to see if looking at these blood cells, along with fragments of cancer DNA in the blood, can help predict if the cancer might return in other parts of the body later on. The goal is to find better ways to understand and predict how triple negative breast cancer might behave.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that can be more challenging to treat because it doesn't respond to some common treatments. Unfortunately, for some people, the cancer can return within five years of treatment. Researchers are always looking for new ways to understand this type of cancer better and find clues that might help predict how it will behave.
One area of interest is **'tumour infiltrating lymphocytes' (TILs)**. These are special immune cells that travel into the tumour itself. Studies have shown that if there are a good number of these TILs in the tumour before treatment, it can be a sign that the treatment might work well. Also, having a lot of TILs left in the tumour after chemotherapy has been linked to better long-term outcomes.
This study, called PERCEPTION, wants to see if there's a connection between these TILs in the tumour and another set of markers: common blood cell counts (like white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets) and how these counts compare in ratios (like NLR and PLR). Researchers will check these both before surgery and afterwards. They are also looking at **'circulating tumour DNA'**, which are tiny bits of cancer DNA that can be found in the blood. The main goal is to understand if any of these markers, alone or together, could help predict if the cancer might come back in the future. Finding such clues could help doctors give more tailored care.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on triple negative breast cancer.
- It's looking for links between routine blood tests and immune cells in tumours.
- The goal is to predict if cancer might return after treatment.
- You would provide a blood sample for analysis.
- Participation helps future understanding of this cancer type.
- The study is observational, not a treatment trial.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women who are 18 years old or older. You would need to have been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of your body. You should have already received treatment that includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.
It's important that you can understand French, as the study materials and conversations will be in French. You'll also need to be part of the social security system and be willing to sign a consent form, which explains the study in detail and confirms you agree to take part.
Unfortunately, if you are male, or if there aren't samples of your tumour available from before your treatment, or if your initial blood test results from before treatment aren't available, you wouldn't be able to join this study.
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.
- Are you a woman aged 18 or over?
- Have you been diagnosed with non-spread triple negative breast cancer?
- Have you undergone chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy for it?
- Can you understand and speak French?
- Are your original tumour samples and initial blood tests available?
- Do you have social security coverage?
What does participation involve?
This study asks for a blood sample to be taken. No specific details are provided about the number of visits, medication, or follow-up duration. It focuses on collecting and analysing existing data and a new blood sample. The study observes how things change over time, specifically looking at your blood cell counts and analysing your tumour samples from before and after surgery. You will be asked to provide a blood sample at some point during the study. The total duration of your participation is not specified, but the study will monitor for potential cancer recurrence over time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Centre Jean PERRINVerified postcodeClermont-Ferrand, France
Common questions
What is 'triple negative breast cancer'?
It's a type of breast cancer that doesn't have certain receptors (oestrogen, progesterone, or HER2), which means it won't respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted drugs.
What are 'TILs'?
TILs, or Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes, are immune system cells that have gone into the tumour. They can be a sign of how well your body's immune system is fighting the cancer.
What does the study hope to find out?
It aims to see if simple blood test results and these TILs can help predict if triple negative breast cancer will come back after treatment.
Will I get treatment from this study?
No, this study is observational. It collects information from blood samples and tumour tissue; it doesn't involve new treatments.
Why is it important to understand if cancer might come back?
Knowing this could help doctors predict a patient's outlook and potentially offer more targeted follow-up care in the future.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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