Proteomics / Molecular Breast

About this trial

“The purpose of this trial is to examine the function of different genes and proteins, previously identified to be of interest, and identify new ones, as well as the means by which they interact and differ between cancer cells.

In order to do this the trial will analyse tissue and blood samples with a scientific process for protein analysis known as proteomics and with other scientific processes that look at genes.

Numerous genes, proteins and chemicals interact within breast cancer cells. The presence of specific genes and proteins may differ between cancer cells, and how they interact may have a significant influence upon how the cells respond to different treatments and how the cells progress or spread. The mechanism by which these genes and proteins interact and affect this is not yet fully understood.

The primary objective is to define the proteomic and molecular characteristics of primary and recurrent/metastatic breast tumours with special focus on the expression of S100 protein and the ER, PR and HER2 genes. Also planned is the determination of the complex molecular pathways dictating the progression of breast cancer and response to different treatment regimens.

Patients will be given the opportunity to complete a short questionnaire about their general health, lifestyle and use of medicines, at baseline and then annually for the duration of follow-up.”

Patient Profile

All newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, recurrent and stage IV metastatic breast cancer patients.

Participants will be required to:

1. Donate blood at various time points before and during their treatment and once per year for up to 7 years, depending on the course of their disease. These blood samples will be taken at time of normal blood work; therefore participants will experience no additional discomfort or pain and no additional visits will be required.

2. Donate tumour tissue during any biopsy or operation, which become clinically necessary. No additional discomfort and/or pain will be experienced and no additional visits are required.

3. Allow access to fixed tumour tissue blocks, which had been developed from tissue taken during any standard biopsy or resection.

Where’s this trial being run?

Beaumont Hospital, Cork University Hospital, and University Hospital Waterford

Can I join this study / trial?

The first thing you do is to talk to your doctor and/or the cancer trials research team in your hospital. The contact details for the cancer trials research units in Ireland is here.

Why not Print this page and bring it with you. It will help your doctor and research team advise you.

For more detailed information

Questions?

Here’s a list of questions you may have for your doctor or local cancer research team.


Summary Data

Name: Proteomics / Molecular Breast
Number: 09-07
Full Title:

Breast cancer proteomics and molecular heterogeneity.

Principal Investigator: Prof Leonie Young (RCSI) and Prof Bryan Hennessy (Beaumont Hospital)
Type: In-House
Sponsor:

Cancer Trials Ireland

Recruitment Started: Global: Not Applicable
Ireland: February 2013
Global Recruitment Target: Not Applicable
Ireland Recruitment Target: 5000