Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and Prevention
Research Studies
SWIFT: Simvastatin in Women at High Risk for a New Breast Cancer
Why is this study being done?
Breast cancer is a common disease, affecting one in seven women over the course of their lives. While there are proven ways to help prevent certain types of breast cancer in women who are at increased risk, these approaches are not acceptable to all women and do not prevent all breast cancers. Therefore, new approaches to prevent breast cancer are needed. There is growing evidence that a group of medicines called "statins" may decrease a subject's risk of developing a variety of cancers, including 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.
What is simvastatin?
Simvastatin is one member of a family of medicines called "statins." Simvastatin is currently FDA-approved for treatment of high cholesterol and prevention of heart attacks and has been in use for over a decade.
Who can participate in this study?
This study is open to women with a history of breast cancer who have completed their full planned course of treatment (such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) at least three months ago or longer.
What is involved in participating?
After you have signed the consent form, tests will be done before you begin taking simvastatin.
These tests include:
- medical history;
- physical examination;
- blood tests;
- a mammogram;
- an optional biopsy of your normal breast;
You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about your health and the way you feel before you begin taking the medication and at the end of the study.
The same tests will be repeated at the end of the study (after approximately 24 weeks).
How can I get more information about the trial?
Hannah Green, MPH
hannah_green@dfci.harvard.edu
(617) 632-2359
