July 1, 2002
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Seeks Candidates for Three Breast
Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials
Researchers at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center are conducting three breast cancer prevention studies at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: the STAR Trial, the WISE Trial, and the TAM/MRI Study. The studies' directors are currently looking for candidates for the trials.
The STAR Trial (Study of Tamoxifen And Raloxifene) is a breast cancer prevention study with almost 13,000 women enrolled so far in the U.S. and Canada. Healthy post-menopausal women who are at increased risk for developing breast cancer may participate. The STAR Trial compares the effectiveness of tamoxifen (Nolvadex), the only medication proven to reduce breast cancer risk, and raloxifene (Evista). Raloxifene is a new medication approved for treatment of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) that we believe may also reduce breast cancer risk, based on results from previous studies involving women with osteoporosis. In the STAR Trial, each woman receives one of these active medicines for five years, and is monitored with yearly mammograms, twice yearly breast examinations and regular blood tests. If you are interested in learning more about the STAR Trial, please contact Kim Jesus at (617) 632-2261 or click on the link below.
Additional information on the STAR Trial
The WISE Trial (Women with Increased Serum Estradiol) is a new pilot study with an innovative approach to breast cancer prevention. Several recent studies have shown that women with higher levels of their own estrogen after menopause have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. In the WISE Trial, women with higher estrogen levels after menopause (measured in a blood test) will be asked to take either one year of the medication Letrozole, which reduces estrogen levels, or an inactive "placebo" pill. We will monitor bone density, mammogram and breast exam changes and blood tests. To learn more about the WISE study, please call Patty Peters at (617) 632-5399 or click on the link below.
Additional information on the WISE Trial
The TAM/MRI Study is unique among these studies because it is designed for pre-menopausal women, ages 25-45, who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk in younger women as well. In the TAM/MRI study, we will evaluate the effects of tamoxifen or an inactive "placebo" pill on breast tissue using breast MRI and other techniques. Participants will take either tamoxifen or the placebo pill for one year, then take no medication for the second year. Every six months, participants will be monitored with breast MRI, mammograms and a breast examination. At completion of the study, participants will be offered tamoxifen for five years, at no cost, for optimal breast cancer risk reduction. For more information regarding the TAM/MRI Study, please call Lael Byrnes at (617) 632-2359 or click on the link below.
