Randomised Trial of Early Molecular Relapse Detection Using Circulating Tumour DNA and Treatment With Palbociclib Plus Fulvestrant Versus Standard Endocrine Therapy in ER Positive HER2 Negative Breast Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis to detect early molecular relapse in patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and HER2 negative breast cancer who are undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy. This trial aims to determine if treatment with palbociclib plus fulvestrant can delay or prevent relapse in patients who show positive ctDNA results. The study is a Phase 2, multi-centre, randomized, open-label trial focusing on high-risk patients with early-stage breast cancer. The trial has two main phases: a surveillance phase and a treatment phase. During the surveillance phase, patients receive ctDNA testing every three months for up to three years to monitor for molecular relapse. If ctDNA is detected without visible disease on imaging, patients enter the treatment phase, where they are randomly assigned to receive either standard endocrine therapy or a combination of palbociclib and fulvestrant for up to 24 months. Palbociclib is taken orally daily for 21 days of each 28-day cycle, while fulvestrant is given as intramuscular injections on specific days of each cycle. Imaging is performed every six months to check for overt disease. Participants undergo regular blood tests for ctDNA monitoring during the surveillance phase and receive clinical assessments, imaging scans, and quality of life questionnaires during the treatment phase. Researchers measure the incidence of positive ctDNA results, relapse-free survival, and monitor adverse events. The total follow-up for relapse-free survival extends up to 60 months from randomization, while safety and quality of life are assessed up to 24 months. If macroscopic disease appears, participants stop trial treatment and receive standard care outside the study.

A Trial of Early Detection of Molecular Relapse With Circulating Tumour DNA Tracking and Treatment With Palbociclib Plus Fulvestrant Versus Standard Endocrine Therapy in Patients With ER Positive HER2 Negative Breast Cancer