Breast Cancer Evolution During Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy
The BELIEVE study is looking at breast cancer in people having treatment before surgery. Researchers collect tissue samples, blood, and sometimes MRI scans and stool samples. They want to understand why some breast cancers respond better to treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy than others. By studying these samples, they hope to find new ways to accurately check if a treatment is working during the process. Another key aim is to identify which patients might be at a higher risk of their cancer coming back after surgery. Ultimately, this research aims to improve how breast cancer is treated in the future and make treatments more effective for everyone.
En un coup d'œil
De quoi parle cette étude ?
Breast cancer is a common illness in the UK, and while treatments have improved a lot, it sadly still causes many deaths. Doctors often give medicines like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy (these are called 'systemic treatments') before surgery for more aggressive or advanced breast cancers. Giving these treatments first, known as 'neoadjuvant therapy', can help shrink the cancer, making it easier to remove with less intensive surgery.
Doctors have learned that how much the cancer shrinks or responds to these treatments before surgery is a very important sign. If a lot of cancer is still present at the time of surgery, it means there's a higher chance the cancer might come back later. This study, called BELIEVE, wants to understand why some cancers respond really well to these pre-surgery treatments, and others don't.
By carefully looking at samples of cancer tissue, blood, and sometimes stool, along with MRI scan results, the researchers hope to find clues. They want to discover specific things about either the patient or their cancer that could help predict if a treatment will work, and also track if it *is* working during the treatment. The goal is to put all this information together to develop better ways to predict who will respond well, who might need a different treatment, and who is at higher risk of their cancer returning, ultimately leading to more personalised and effective care for breast cancer patients.
Points clés
- The BELIEVE study aims to improve understanding of breast cancer treatment.
- It collects samples (tissue, blood, sometimes stool) and MRI data.
- Focuses on treatments given *before* surgery (neoadjuvant therapy).
- Hopes to predict how well treatments work and if cancer might return.
- This research does not involve new treatments for participants.
Qui peut être éligible ?
To take part in this study, you would need to have breast cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of your body. You should also be planning to start treatments like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy *before* having surgery for your breast cancer, and not have started them yet. If you have HER2-positive breast cancer, you should be suitable for treatment that targets HER2.
You must be 18 years old or older and willing to give your written permission to join the study.
However, you cannot join if your breast cancer has already spread to other parts of your body when it was diagnosed, or if your planned treatment before surgery is only hormone therapy. Also, if there are any personal circumstances that might make it difficult for you to follow the study plan and attend follow-up appointments, you might not be able to participate.
Cet étude pourrait-elle vous convenir ?
Répondez à ces questions rapides pour voir si vous êtes éligible. Ceci est un guide uniquement — l'équipe de recherche prend la décision finale.
- My breast cancer has not spread to other parts of my body.
- I am planning to start chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy before my breast cancer surgery (and haven't started yet).
- J'ai 18 ans ou plus.
- I am comfortable providing blood and tissue samples, and possibly stool samples.
En quoi consiste la participation ?
This study involves collecting samples at different times during your breast cancer treatment before surgery. You would provide samples of your breast cancer tissue (usually taken during routine biopsies) and blood samples. In some cases, you might also have MRI scans and provide stool (poo) samples. These samples would be collected before you start your treatment and then again at certain points while you are receiving your treatment before surgery. The study primarily uses samples and information gathered as part of your normal care plan, but with additional collection points for research. The total duration of your participation would align with your pre-surgery treatment period and follow-up for sample collection, which your doctor can explain in more detail.
Risques et avantages potentiels
Emplacements (1)
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustCode postal vérifiéLondres, Royaume-Uni· Recrutement
Questions fréquentes
What is 'neoadjuvant therapy'?
It's a medical term for treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapy given before surgery to shrink the cancer.
Vais-je recevoir un nouveau traitement dans cette étude ?
No, this study is about collecting samples and information from treatments you're already receiving, not giving new medicines.
What kind of samples will be collected?
Researchers will collect breast cancer tissue, blood, and sometimes MRI scans and stool (poo) samples.
How will this study help breast cancer patients?
It aims to help doctors understand why treatments work for some and not others, leading to better-tailored treatments in the future.
Puis-je quitter l'étude si je change d'avis ?
Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.
Comment en savoir plus
BELIEVE Trial Manager
Parlez toujours à votre médecin généraliste ou spécialiste avant de décider de participer à une étude.
Intéressé à participer ?
Discussion
Discussion communautaire
Propulsé par notre forum à community.patient.info. Veuillez être respectueux — ceci n'est pas un avis médical.