First results from whole-genome sequencing clinical trial on triple negative breast cancer

Sequencing points to treatment protocols, results in patient benefit

Triple negative breast tumors, which make up nearly 20 percent of breast cancers, do not respond to treatment with targeted therapies such as Herceptin- (trastuzumab).

To investigate new options for these patients, the first clinical trial of whole-genome sequencing for women with triple negative breast cancer was initiated in March 2010, and the first results will be presented during the 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dec. 6-10, 2011.

Based on mutations uncovered by sequencing, physicians steered the women into treatment protocols for either existing drugs or new agents being evaluated in pharma-sponsored clinical trials. Several patients displayed benefit from treatments physicians selected taking sequencing data into consideration.

Results will be presented at 10:30 am CST, Thursday, Dec. 8, by Joyce O'Shaughnessy, M.D., medical director and co-chair of the Breast Cancer Research Committee, US Oncology Research; a practicing oncologist with Texas Oncology; and the Celebrating Women Chair of Breast Cancer Research at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center.