Study on Recurrent Breast Cancer and Repeated Radiation Therapy

Launched by TURKU UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Nov 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to treat recurrent breast cancer, which is when breast cancer comes back after treatment. Traditionally, when this happens, doctors often recommend removing the entire breast. However, this study is looking at whether it's possible to safely treat these cases using a method called breast-conserving surgery, combined with repeated radiation therapy, even if the patient has had radiation before. The goal is to find out if this approach can allow women to keep their breasts while still receiving effective treatment.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be women aged 55 and older who have a specific type of breast cancer that has come back locally, with the tumor no larger than 3 cm. They should have had previous breast-conserving surgery and must have waited at least three years since their last radiation treatment. If someone joins the study, they can expect careful planning of their surgery and radiation therapy to ensure safety and effectiveness. This trial aims to develop better treatment options that provide personalized care for women facing recurrent breast cancer.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The patient has a diagnosed breast cancer or tumor area in the breast with a maximum diameter of 3 cm, where a previous breast-conserving surgery has been performed (either invasive breast cancer or carcinoma in situ, DCIS).
• • The patient has only a local recurrence, and imaging studies show no suspicion of metastases outside the breast (preoperative staging N0M0).
• • At least 3 years have passed since the completion of prior radiation therapy. The new breast cancer can be technically treated with another breast-conserving surgery using a technique that does not require tissue transfer from areas opposite the removed tumor to restore the shape of the breast.
• • The patient is at least 55 years old at the time of surgery. The patient is willing to participate in the study. The patient is capable of providing informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A booster dose, also known as a "boost," was administered during prior radiation therapy.
• • Preoperative assessments suggest multifocal breast cancer, with the tumor area to be removed exceeding 3 cm.
• • The planned radiation therapy per the study protocol cannot be administered due to factors such as shoulder joint stiffness, a pacemaker located in the radiation field, or a skin condition (e.g., scleroderma).
• • The patient is unable to provide informed consent or is unwilling to participate in the study.
• • Metastases outside the breast (e.g., axillary or distant metastases) are present.