Can a chemo pill mop up hidden breast cancer cells?

NCT ID NCT07631052

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether the chemotherapy pill capecitabine can eliminate tiny amounts of cancer DNA still present in the blood after standard treatment for early-stage ER+/HER2- breast cancer. About 15 patients whose blood tests show residual cancer DNA will take capecitabine for up to 12 months. The main goal is to see if the cancer DNA becomes undetectable, which might lower the chance of the cancer coming back.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Capecitabine (chemotherapy pill)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a way to eliminate lingering cancer cells detected by a blood test, potentially reducing the risk of cancer returning.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase trial with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Capecitabine can cause side effects like hand-foot syndrome and digestive issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER STAGE I BREAST CANCER STAGE II BREAST CANCER STAGE III ER-POSITIVE HER2-NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

UHN - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z5, Canada

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