Surveillance Markers of Utility for Recurrence After (Neo)adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
The purpose of this research is to study markers in the blood or bone marrow that could help us predict which patients are at increased risk of their cancer returning and in doing so, identify those who would benefit from additional targeted treatment.
Video courtesy of Mzizi Media
Our researchers have identified a type of cell that can remain in a dormant, or sleeping state in the body for years or even decades before ultimately coming back to cause metastatic disease. These sleeping, or dormant cells are fundamentally different than the cells in the original tumor and the one that recurs. Therefore, these dormant cells require different and novel treatment approaches. Currently, the best way to determine if a patient has any dormant tumor cells in their body is to look for the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) that reside in the bone marrow.
The Penn-SURMOUNT Screening study enrolls patients who have completed primary treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer and are within 5 years of their original breast cancer diagnosis. In this study we are using a screening test to look for DTCs in the bone marrow. For women who are found to have DTCs in the bone marrow, we are launching clinical trials that are aimed at targeting and destroying these cells to eliminate the pool of dormant cells that could potentially give rise to a recurrent cancer. Patients who harbor DTCs will be offered the opportunity for enrollment into these clinical trials with the ultimate goal of preventing breast cancer recurrence.
In addition, the bone marrow, blood and tumor samples collected in the Penn-SURMOUNT study are being used to develop a better, more accurate test for DTCs than the one that currently exists, and to better understand what DTCs are and how they can be best treated. Ultimately, the results of this research may improve the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in the future.
The Penn-SURMOUNT study involves the following visits and procedures:
- Informed Consent: You will discuss the trial with a study doctor. If you choose to participate, you will have bloodwork to make sure it is safe for you to have a bone marrow aspirate.
- Bone Marrow Aspirate: A small sample of liquid bone marrow will be taken from your pelvic bone. Most patients tolerate the procedure with little to mild discomfort and can return to normal activities within a day or two. A blood sample will also be taken at this visit.
- DTC Results Disclosure: You will receive a call from the UPenn study team about 4-5 weeks after your procedure to discuss your DTC results
- Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) Surveys: You will be asked to complete a series of surveys about the screening process
Am I a Candidate?
For more information, and to learn if you are a candidate, email breastcancerclinicaltrials@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or call 215-615-2367 and ask for the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Navigator.