Breast Cancer
Conditions
Keywords
Breast Cancer
Brief summary
This prospective cohort study aims to identify immune-related predictive factors of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer. The study will evaluate immune markers in tumor stroma and blood samples collected before treatment to determine their association with complete pathological remission (pCR). In addition, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) will be analyzed to explore their correlation with treatment response. The results may contribute to improved selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Detailed description
This prospective observational cohort study investigates the relationship between immune-related tumor stroma factors and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with early breast cancer treated at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. The primary objective is to identify immune predictive markers in the tumor microenvironment that are associated with achieving pathological complete remission (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor tissue and blood samples will be analyzed to evaluate immune-related biomarkers and their prognostic and predictive value. In addition, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) will be assessed in peripheral blood samples collected before initiation of treatment, in order to determine their association with immune-related tumor stroma characteristics and clinical outcomes. The study aims to improve understanding of biological mechanisms influencing treatment response and may support future personalized treatment strategies by identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Interventions
DRUGNeoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered to patients with early breast cancer according to institutional protocols. Treatment is not experimental and is part of routine clinical care. Immune-related tumor stroma factors and blood biomarkers will be analyzed in relation to pathological complete response (pCR) and circulating tumor cells/circulating tumor DNA.
Sponsors
Institute of Oncology Ljubljana
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Female patients with early breast cancer * Planned neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) * Availability of tumor tissue sample (biopsy) before treatment * Ability to provide blood sample(s) * Signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Male breast cancer * Patients without neoadjuvant chemotherapy * Inability or refusal to provide informed consent * Insufficient biological material for analysis
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pathological Complete Response (pCR) | After completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (at surgery) | To determine immune-related predictive factors of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the tumor stroma of patients with early breast cancer, in relation to achieving pathological complete response (pCR). |
Countries
Slovenia
Outcome results
None listed