Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and Prevention
Research Studies
The following are some of the breast and ovarian cancer studies being run through the Cancer Risk and Prevention Program at Dana-Farber. To read more about eligibility, participation involvement, and study contact information, please click on the "Learn more" link below each study's summary.
GEMS: Genetic Modifiers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Study
GEMS is a collaborative study with Duke University. The goal of this study is to explore environmental factors that may affect breast cancer risk in women with and without BRCA1/2 mutations. Learn more
IRIS: Impact of Risk Inheritance Study
Project IRIS was created to explore issues involving genetic testing and its affects on how individuals and their families use genetic information in their lives. The study focuses on the understanding of cancer risk and cancer screening and prevention practices. Learn more
MAP.3 Research Study - ExCel: A Phase III Randomized Study of Exemestane versus Placebo in Postmenopausal Women at Increased Risk of Developing Breast Cancer
The goal of this study is to test whether Exemestane will lower the rate of breast cancer in healthy women who have an increased risk of the disease. Exemestane is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat breast cancer. It has been shown to reduce the chance that a breast cancer will come back. It also reduces the risk that a new breast cancer will develop in women who have already had a breast cancer. In the Excel Trial, we are studying Exemestane to see whether it can prevent the development of breast cancer in healthy women. Learn more
PACE (Prevention Against Cancer through Exercise)
PACE is a six-month pilot exercise intervention study for women at increased breast cancer risk. Studies have found that regular exercise and having a healthy weight are associated with decreased risk of getting breast cancer in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. We are conducting this study to help determine whether women who are at high breast cancer risk will take part in an exercise intervention study to help them become more physically active. Learn more
Project STRIDE: Standard In-Person and Telephone Based Genetic Counseling: A Randomized Study
Project STRIDE is comparing face-to-face genetic counseling to telephone genetic counseling. In this study, experienced genetic counselors have created a way to provide genetic counseling over the telephone that mirrors in-person genetic counseling as closely as possible. Learn more
ProNAF: Proteomics of Nipple Aspirate Fluid
The purpose of the study is to determine if breast cancer can be detected by analyzing proteins in breast nipple fluid and the blood. Ultimately, we would like to develop a test similar to the Pap Test in screening for early breast cancer so more women can be cured by catching the cancer at an early stage. Learn more
PROSE: Prevention and Observation of Surgical Endpoints
Prophylactic surgery in women with family histories of breast and/or ovarian cancer
The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic (risk-reducing or preventive) surgery among women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and who may be at high risk of developing cancer themselves. We will also be looking at other factors that may influence risk of breast and ovarian cancer in high-risk women, including lifestyle factors like birth control pills, or smoking and alcohol use. The study has already produced important information that is used in advising women about these very difficult decisions. Learn more
REACH: Risk Evaluation & Cancer History
The REACH project collects risk factor information, blood, and tissue specimens from patients and family members at high risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer. The data and specimen bank will be used as a resource to be shared with researchers working in the areas of breast and ovarian cancer risk, prevention and treatment. Learn more
Statins and Breast Cancer Biomarkers
The purpose of this study is to determine if taking Atorvastatin has an effect on breast density, a known risk factor for developing breast cancer. Learn more
SWIFT: Simvastatin in Women at High Risk for a New Breast Cancer
The purpose of this study is find out if taking simvastatin for 24 weeks reduces certain factors associated with breast cancer risk. We will look at the breast density, blood hormone levels, inflammation levels, and certain genes in breast tissue before and after women take simvastatin for 24 weeks. Learn more
WISE: Women with Increased Serum Estradiol
The WISE trial asks whether letrozole, a medication that lowers estrogen levels, can help reduce the chance of developing breast cancer in women at increased breast cancer risk. Women who have higher levels of the female hormone estrogen after menopause are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Letrozole is a new medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of women with breast cancer that works by lowering estrogen levels, and has been shown to be better than Tamoxifen at preventing a second breast cancer in the opposite breast. The study also asks where estrogen levels can be used like cholesterol levels, to identify women at higher risk, and as a treatment target. Learn more
