Featured Clinical Trial — Breast Cancer Prevention
A study of Exemestane in postmenopausal women at increased risk of developing breast cancer
Objectives
This five-year, double-blinded trial is evaluating the reduction in the short-term incidence of invasive breast cancer using the aromastase inhibitor, Exemestane.
Why is this trial important?
The U.S. Preventive Health Services Task Force in 2002 recommended that doctors discuss chemo-prevention with women at high risk for breast cancer. An estimated 10 million women in the United States have significant risk factors for breast cancer that make them eligible for chemotherapy. The drug, Tamoxifen, is currently used, but pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that Exemestane will be more effective, with fewer side effects than Tamoxifen.
Who can join this trial?
The study will evaluate postmenopausal women over the age of 60 or with a family history of breast cancer. Women eligible for the study cannot be on hormone replacement therapy or have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
What is required?
Eligible women will visit the clinical trial clinic for a screening. At that visit, clinical trial staff will review the consent form with each potential study enrollee, check blood pressure, record height and weight, perform a short physical and breast exam, and draw blood. Potential enrollees will also complete several questionnaires. Once enrolled in the study, the participant will take the study medication (Exemestane or placebo) once daily for five years. The participant will have a six-month follow-up visit, and annual visits for five years.
Principal Investigator
John Robbins, M.D., UC Davis Health System, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Medicine.
For more information, please contact Denise Macias, study coordinator, at (916) 734-3219, or denise.macias@ucdmc.udavis.edu.