Breast Cancer Trials

Endocrine Therapy or hormone therapy is treatment that tries to block or reduce circulating estrogens, which is what drives majority of breast cancers. Dr Belinda Yeo is a Medical Oncologist at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, who is researching the level of therapy that breast cancer patients require, to minimise toxicity in treatment. She was a guest speaker at the 2022 Breast Cancer Trials Annual Scientific Meeting, and we asked Dr Yeo to explain her research project on Endocrine Therapy.

Dr David Okonji is a Medical Oncologist at Wellington Hospital in New Zealand, who is researching into metastatic breast cancer, asking the question: Are we curing HER+ Metastatic Breast Cancer? He was a guest speaker at the 2022 Breast Cancer Trials Annual Scientific Meeting, and we asked Dr Okonji to explain his research on this topic.

Associate Professor Lesley Stafford is a clinical psychologist in psycho-oncology and women's health, with a specific interest in women with or at risk of breast cancer. She consults in the Breast Service and Familial Cancer Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital as well as in private practice, and is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Shom Goel is a clinician-scientist at the University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, with a strong interest in Translational Breast Cancer Research. He was a guest speaker at the 2022 Breast Cancer Trials Annual Scientific Meeting and we asked Dr Goel to explain his research in CDK4/6 inhibitors and where research is going in the future.

Finding My Way is an online coping program for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. The program is designed to support people through their cancer diagnosis, as well as help to provide strategies to live well despite this diagnosis. We talk with Associate Professor Lisa Beatty as she explains what 'Finding My Way' is and how it was initiated.

As part of a Clinical Fellowship project with Breast Cancer Trials, Dr Christine Muttiah is aiming to assist in the clinical conduct of the BRCA-P study in the hopes to increase recruitment across all 14 Breast Cancer Trials BRCA-P sites. We asked Dr Muttiah to provide an overview of this project and its aims.

As part of a Clinical Fellowship project with Breast Cancer Trials, Dr Elizabeth Blackley is working on a study that involves the collection of data and the development of a registry on breast cancer incidents, treatment outcomes and quality of life metrics in young Australian women. The aim is to help form a streamlined model of care for young women and offer various support services to help them through their diagnosis.

While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps that can be taken to lower one's risk of being diagnosed, particularly for women with a strong family history or those who carry a gene mutation. Dr Wanda Cui is a Medical Oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and is researching into breast cancer prevention within the risk management clinic. We asked Dr Cui to explain her research on Breast Cancer Prevention.

Professor Prue Francis is a Medical Oncologist and the Clinical Head of Breast Medical Oncology at the Perter McCallum Cancer Centre. Professor Francis is researching into Metastatic breast cancer, asking the question: Does Detecting Metastatic Disease Early Make a Difference? We asked Professor Francis to explain her research on this topic.

Dr Hope Rugo is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr Rugo is a Principal Investigator of multiple clinical trials focusing on combining novel targeted therapeutics with standard treatment. We asked Dr Rugo to explain her research topic: New Options in HR+ Breast Cancer – TROPICS-02 and beyond.

Health economics is used in clinical trials to ensure information is being collected in the right way, so that it can be provided to the minister or committees such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, so that they can compare new treatments with existing treatments to decide what drugs should be funded in the public system. We asked Associate Professor De Abreu Lorenco to explain what health economics is, and how it is currently used in clinical trials.

Radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery plays an important role in the management of early breast cancer, decreasing the risk of breast cancer returning and improving mortality rates. Dr Janice Yeh is evaluating the technical feasibility and clinical performance of the novel NASHA gel compared to standard surgical clips as a fiducial marker.

Madelaine Atkins was 50 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2008, after finding a small lump in her right breast. Despite receiving chemotherapy, radiation and having surgery to remove her right breast, unfortunately in 2011 Madelaine was diagnosed with Advanced Breast Cancer in her shoulder, neck, and lymph nodes. After discussing further treatment options with her oncologist, Madelaine decided to participate in the FINER clinical trial. We spoke with Madelaine about her diagnoses, her decision to participate in the FINER clinical trial, and advice to other women who have received a diagnosis.

Katharine and Skye had never met each other, but they shared something in common. Both women carry the BRCA-1 gene mutation. This is an inherited gene which increases their chance of developing breast cancer by 70% and ovarian cancer by 40% throughout their lifetime. Until now, life-changing invasive surgery and regular breast screening have been the only options available for women like Katharine and Skye. However, the BRCA-P clinical trial aims to open up a new treatment opportunity for women with this gene mutation. BRCA-P is a preventative trial, which is testing the effectiveness of a drug called Denosumab in preventing breast cancer for these women.

Ben and Michael Kavich are brothers and race car drivers, who are asking you to support lifesaving breast cancer trials research by donating to Race for a Cure. Race for a Cure was founded by Ben's wife, Toula, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer following the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2016. Toula's disease shocked the Kavich family who had already lived through the harrowing impact of breast cancer after Ben and Michael's grandmother and mother were diagnosed. The brothers are using their passion for motorsport to help spare as many families as possible from the heartache and loss caused by breast cancer.

At 31, Laura found a lump in her breast and was shortly after diagnosed with breast cancer. We spoke with Laura about her shock diagnosis, her decision to participate in the Breast MRI Evaluation Study and her advice to other young women who have also received a diagnosis.

A side effect of some chemotherapy, and targeted therapy treatments, is Hand and Foot syndrome, also known as hand-foot syndrome, Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia or PPE. We speak with Senior Podiatrist Rebecca Angus about the symptoms of the side effect and how it's treated.

Dimity Paul knew she carried an 80% risk of developing breast cancer since she was 21 years old, although it still came as a huge shock when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31. She spoke with us about her experience with the BRCA1 gene mutation, her participation on the OlympiA clinical trial and how being a part of a supportive workplace helped her through her treatment.

Samantha was 21 years old when she found out she had the BRCA1 gene mutation. This means she has a 70% risk of developing breast cancer and a 40% risk of developing ovarian cancer. She speaks with us about her decision to be proactive in managing her risk by joining the BRCA-P Clinical Trial.

We spoke with Professor Julia White, a tenured Professor of Radiation Oncology and Koltz Sisters Chair for Cancer Research at the Ohio State University, about partial breast irradiation. We speak about the different types of this treatment, who it is best suited for and the continuing research in this area.

The CAPTURE clinical trial aims to improve survival rates for women and men with ER+, HER2- breast cancer. This study will investigate the effectiveness of treatment with a targeted cancer therapy (alpelisib) and chemotherapy (fulvestrant), compared to a chemotherapy (capecitabine) alone in men and women with ER+, HER2- breast cancer with a PIKC3A mutation.We spoke with the CAPTURE study chair, Professor Sarah-Jane Dawson, about this important clinical trial.

Being able to access support services after a breast cancer diagnosis is an important part of the recovery process for some patients, as having access meet and relate with others in a similar situation can aid in alleviating some feelings of anxiety and isolation. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) helps to connect those with breast cancer with support services in-person and online. We caught up with BCNA's CEO Kirsten Pilatti about the importance of these groups, and how to access them.

The CHEK2 gene mutation is a genetic abnormality that can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. We spoke with Cancer Geneticist Associate Professor Judy Kirk about this genetic abnormality, why testing for the gene is not common, and what preventative measures can be taken for those who have the mutation.

It can be hard to know what to say or do when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. It can be a very traumatic experience, so we spoke with clinical psychologist and Cancer Council SA Senior Research Fellow Lisa Beatty about how you can best support someone close to you during their diagnosis.

If you have had a mastectomy, either because you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or are at high risk of developing breast cancer, you may decide to have a breast reconstruction. This is a very personal decision to make and it’s best to know all your options before choosing what is best for you. We spoke with specialist breast surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, Ireland, Dr Stuart McIntosh about these options, what you need to consider before making a decision and what are the best questions to ask your doctor during your decision making process.

Jessica's family has a strong history of breast cancer. Her uncle, cousin and sister were all diagnosed with breast cancer before her. In this podcast, she tells us what it was like to receive her diagnosis just weeks after her sister, what it was like to participate in the Breast Cancer Trials OlympiA clinical trial, how her art was therapeutic for her and her advice for other young women who have been diagnosed.

Cousin's Raylee and Lisa are the first Australian participants in the ground-breaking BRCA-P clinical trial. The BRCA-P trial is a prevention trial which is testing the effectiveness of a drug called Denosumab in preventing breast cancer in women with a BRCA1 gene mutation, like Lisa and Raylee. This treatment has been fast tracked from the lab to a stage three clinical trial due to it's impressive pre-clinical results. Listen in as Lisa and Raylee tell us what it's like to know you have a 70% risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer due to the BRCA1 gene mutation, what it's been like participating in the BRCA-P clinical trial and what their children think about their 50/50 chance of having the BRCA1 gene mutation. To find out more about the BRCA-P clinical trial visit www.breastolution.com.auTo find out more about our life-saving research, or to support our research visit www.breastcancertrials.org.au

We speak with exercise scientist and behavioural epidemiologist at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Professor Erica James, about the benefit of exercise for the prevention of breast cancer, how lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, and the best ways to get active after a diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Trials researcher Dr Ross Jennens is a Medical Oncologist at Epworth Hospital in Melbourne and one of 4,000 Australian health professionals participating in the BRACE clinical trial. This study aims to test the BCG vaccine, which was developed to prevent tuberculosis and is commonly used as a treatment for people with bladder cancer, to see if it can provide an immune system boost to protect people from COVID-19 symptoms.

Professor Fran Boyle and Associate Professor Nicholas Wilcken discuss how their institutions and teams have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss how some changes have been positive, how their patients have reacted to this new environment, and give a BCT research update.

Cancer Geneticist Associate Professor Judy Kirk explains the role of genetics in breast cancer research and how this information will help inform future treatments.

Early breast cancer is cancer which is confined to the breast or the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes. It’s a research focus for Dr Stuart McIntosh who explains what the standard treatment is for early breast cancer, what clinical trials are currently investigating early breast cancer treatments and how treatments differ to advanced breast cancer.

Hormone sensitive breast tumors make up around 70% of all breast cancers. Associate Professor Aleix Prat explains what research is being conducted into this metastatic disease and how before we can find a cure, researchers are working in the short term to find a way to make it a chronic disease.

Sydney based advocate and politician Dai Le speaks with us about the impact her diagnosis has had on her life, how she explained her diagnosis to her son and the importance of spreading breast cancer awareness in non-English speaking communities.

Women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Associate Professor Judy Kirk explains what the BRCA mutation is & measures women with the mutation can take.

Michelle and Maxine are both participants in the Breast Cancer Trials CHARIOT clinical trial. They are receiving the same treatment, at the same hospital and formed a friendship through their shared experience. They discuss their experience on the trial & how helpful it has been to have a friend by their side.

Clinical psychologist Dr Lisa Beatty explains what impact a diagnosis can have, how to can get help & what impact poor mental health can have on your recovery.

Heidi started getting mammograms at 42 after a close friend was diagnosed in her early 40s. She was thankful she did, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. Heidi speaks with us about being diagnosed as a young woman with a young family, having to put your career on hold and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Professor Julia White explains that de-escalation is right-sizing treatments for patients. She explains how we can find out who needs more or less surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Sarah’s oncologist told her to walk around the block to keep fit during treatment. Sarah took this a step further and skipped the drive into her second chemo treatment and instead ran to the hospital. It sparked a love of running and Sarah continued running throughout her whole treatment, even running 12km in the week before her last chemo treatment. Sarah is a supporter of Breast Cancer Trials.

Patients with breast cancer have higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Professor Bogda Koczwara explains why & what patients & doctors should be aware of to protect heart health.

Malea Parker was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She speaks with us about how her family support has been essential during treatment and why she believes breast cancer clinical trials research is so important.

Associate Professor Aleix Prat discusses how continuing research into breast cancer biology is helping improve treatments & how tumour biopsies can help patients in the future.

Professor Wayne Tilley explains what the androgen receptor gene is & why it is important in breast cancer.

Rebecca was diagnosed at 33 years old when her son was just 11 months old. She found a lump one day but assumed it was related to mastitis from breast feeding and was shocked to find out it was cancer. Rebecca discusses what it’s like to be diagnosed as a young woman and how grateful she is for breast cancer research.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Lisa Beatty explains what online help is available & what the benefits are of using psychological breast cancer online tools.

Cancer Geneticist Associate Professor Judy Kirk explains who should get genetic testing, what exactly a ‘strong family history’ means and how you can get tested.

Gowri Sivalingam was diagnosed in 2015 with invasive ductal carcinoma after finding a lump in her breast on Christmas day. She spoke with us about being diagnosed with breast cancer as a young woman, working throughout treatment, participating in a clinical trial and what it’s like to be diagnosed with cancer when you are a doctor.

Breast Surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, Dr Stuart McIntosh, discusses clinical trials open in the UK & explains it’s hoped these trials will open in Australia & NZ.

Radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells & shrink tumors. In this Breast Cancer Trials Podcast, Professor Julia White explains why it is an important part of breast cancer treatment.

Marie Pandeloglou was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer 4 and a half years after her early breast cancer diagnosis. She shares what it is like to live with metastatic disease, what she wants people to know about metastatic breast cancer, and her advice for those living with breast cancer.