Current Research

The following clinical trials are related to breast cancer survivorship. View more cancer clinical trials and enrollment information via the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Piloting a breast cancer survivorship care plan: ASCO templates with a discussion guide

Number: J0909

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to obtain information on the feasibility and perceived usefulness of two methods of survivorship care planning.

Eligibility: Patients eligible to participate include Johns Hopkins patients with Stage 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Overview: Patients who agree to participate will be given a packet containing some forms to bring to their oncologist and a one page discussion guide. The study will include a one-time telephone survey and examination of notes from one visit with their oncologist. In addition, the research team will contact the patient’s oncologist and primary care provider one time for their opinion on the usefulness of the forms and discussion guide. All information will be kept confidential.

A multi-center randomized controlled double blind trial assessing the effect of acupuncture in reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors.

Number: J07110

Purpose: This research is being done to find out if acupuncture can ease or reduce the joint and/or muscle discomfort experienced from taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

Eligibility: Breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors, which include anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), and letrozole (Femara) who have never had acupuncture before and are experiencing joint stiffness or pain that is thought to be due to the AI may join this study.

Overview: You will be asked to sign a consent form and answer questions to make sure that you are healthy and eligible to take part in the trial. You will then be randomly assigned to one of two groups. You, your doctors and nurses will not know which group you are in. Only the acupuncture practitioner will know which group you are in. Subjects in Group 1 will have actual acupuncture done. Subjects in Group 2 will receive sham acupuncture, a procedure on the skin that will feel like acupuncture but it is not an actual acupuncture. You will come to the clinic once a week for 8 weeks, and then you will have a follow-up visit after about 6 months.

You will receive acupuncture or sham acupuncture during your weekly visits. Women in both groups will have a sample of blood taken to check hormone levels specifically for the study (on the 1st and 8th visits). You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about overall health and well-being (on the 1st, 4th, 8th and final visits) and daily diaries looking at hot flashes, medications and problems. At the final visit you will find out which group you were in. Participants in the sham acupuncture group will be offered 4 weekly acupuncture treatments for free after the last follow-up visit.

Breast Cancer Program Longitudinal Repository

Number: J0888

Purpose: This research is being done to learn more about cancer by studying cells in blood and tissue collected from people with breast cancer as well as from volunteers without breast cancer.

Eligibility: Men or women 18 year of age or older with or without a known diagnosis of breast cancer may join.

Overview: If you agree to be in this study, we will ask you to do the following:

• Blood draws – You will have about three and a half tablespoons of blood drawn for the initial blood draw and about three tablespoons for follow-up samples.
• Tissue samples – We may obtain a portion of any cells or tissue collected during routine breast procedures that you have. The samples will be obtained from the department of pathology and no additional biopsy will be required. The samples we will collect would otherwise be considered waste material and should not compromise your regular care.
• Questionnaires and visits – At the time of each blood draw, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire to tell us about any changes in your health, diet or habits, and any medications that you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements).

If you have a diagnosis of breast cancer, we will ask for a sample prior to and following your surgery, and in follow-up at a few time points during any treatment if you receive this at Johns Hopkins. If you do not have a diagnosis of breast cancer, we will ask for samples and questionnaires about once a year