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.
ExCel (MAP.3 Research Study): A Phase III Randomized Study of Exemestane versus Placebo
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
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
Neoadjuvant Trial of Lapatinib for the Treatment of Women with DCIS Breast Cancer
Lapatinib was recently approved by the FDA for use in advanced breast cancer. It remains an investigational drug for the treatment of women with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). We do not yet know if it is useful or safe as a chemopreventive agent for DCIS. The main purpose of this study is to begin to collect information and try to learn more about the most effective dose of lapatinib, whether the drug will prevent the spread of cancer, and the other changes to breast cancer tissue and breast cancer cells. 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
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
