Bone marrow tests may spot breast Cancer's hidden seeds

NCT ID NCT02732171

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether testing bone marrow for hidden cancer cells can help predict breast cancer recurrence in women who have completed treatment within the past five years. Researchers will collect blood and bone marrow samples from 600 women at increased risk of relapse. The goal is to see if these 'disseminated tumor cells' are linked to future recurrence, which could lead to earlier detection and prevention strategies.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could help identify women at high risk of breast cancer recurrence and guide early treatment to prevent relapse.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. The bone marrow test may not reliably predict recurrence, and even if it does, it is unclear whether targeting those cells will improve outcomes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm invasive breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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