Clinical studies in breast cancer treatment, prevention, and early detection

Research Team:  Channin, Chatterton, Goel, Gradishar, Hansen, Khan, Kaklamani, Rubinstein, Van Horn

The clinical program is coordinated through the leadership of Seema A. Khan, MD, and translational research projects are funded by the NCI, the Avon Breast Cancer Research Program gift, the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Research Foundation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the Bluhm Family Program for Breast Cancer Early Detection and Prevention, and the previously active SPORE in Breast Cancer. The resulting clinical research covers the gamut of clinical problems in breast cancer. These begin with studies of inherited breast cancer susceptibility related to TGFb polymorphisms (Kaklamani, in collaboration with Pasche [CP, CGMT]), and in the biology and classification of BRCA gene mutations (Rubinstein). In addition, a family history tool for evaluation of high-risk families has been developed (Rubinstein). Nutritional studies extend from intervention studies of physical activity and diet (Van Horn, in collaboration with Gapstur [PC/CP]) to hormone measurements in a subset of participants of the Women's Health Initiative (Van Horn). Breast imaging research includes the development of systems for digital image display and annotation (Channin), studies of the actions of tamoxifen on premenopausal breast density (Morrow [former member], Chatterton, Hendrick [CP]). Other early diagnosis efforts include studies of minimal epithelial sampling (ductoscopy, ductal lavage, nipple aspiration fluid, and random fine needle aspiration) for breast cancer diagnosis and risk stratification, and Phase 2 studies of breast cancer prevention interventions that are evaluated using surrogate endpoints (Khan). Surgical therapy investigations include a study of disparities in surgical decision-making between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women with early breast cancer (Goel, Khan), and an analysis of the impact of primary tumor resection in women with de-novo metastatic disease (Khan). A variety of novel therapeutic strategies are under investigation, including innovative pharmaceutical agents such as nanoparticle bound taxane in combination with lapatinib (Kaklamani, Gradishar), new endocrine agents (Gradishar) and antiangiogenic therapy in breast cancer (Gradishar, Soff [former member of Breast Program]). Improvements in physician-patient communication are being sought through a study of patient perceptions of information gaps, in a collaboration between the Breast Cancer program and the Cancer Control program (Makoul, Khan, Gradishar). This extensive array of clinical research initiatives brings together investigators with a diverse array of skills, with the goal of achieving improvements in all facets of breast cancer care, which will lead to prolonged, high quality survival for women with breast cancer, and those at risk for it.

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