New chemo cocktail shows promise in shrinking breast tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT00295893

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested two different chemotherapy regimens, with or without the targeted drug trastuzumab, given before surgery to patients with stage II or III breast cancer. The goal was to see which combination better eliminated cancer cells in the breast and lymph nodes. A total of 121 participants received either TAC (docetaxel, adriamycin, cytoxan) or AC followed by Abraxane and carboplatin, with some also getting trastuzumab. The main measure of success was whether no cancer remained after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

combination chemotherapy (docetaxel, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, carboplatin) with or without trastuzumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help identify which chemo combination works best before surgery to shrink breast tumors and improve outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (121 participants) with no long-term results yet. The benefits seen may not apply to all breast cancer types or stages.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast ductal adenocarcinoma breast neoplasm Carcinoma, Lobular inflammatory breast carcinoma male breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • City of Hope Medical Center

    Duarte, California, 91010-3000, United States