2 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The purpose of this study is to identify tumor cells in the bloodstream (Circulating Tumor Cells, CTC's) from patient's with locally advanced or metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer. Analyzing the tumor is helpful in guiding therapy; however, research has suggested that the number of tumor cells found in the bloodstream (CTC's) signifies more aggressive behavior and increased difficulty in eliminating the cancer. This research will help to develop better ways to treat breast cancer which could be tailored to a patient and may be adjusted to a patient's individual needs.
This phase II trial tests whether panitumumab and pembrolizumab in combination with standard of care chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant) works to shrink tumors in patients with stage III-IV triple negative breast cancer. Panitumumab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel, carboplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving panitumumab and pembrolizumab in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy may kill more tumor cells in patients with triple negative breast cancer.