Could a bone drug make dense breasts less Cancer-Prone?

NCT ID NCT04067726

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether denosumab, a drug that blocks RANKL signaling, can reduce mammographic breast density in premenopausal women with dense breasts. Dense breasts are a known risk factor for breast cancer. The study involves 210 women who will receive either denosumab or a placebo for one year, along with calcium and vitamin D. The main goal is to see if the drug lowers breast density, which could lead to new prevention strategies.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Denosumab (a drug that blocks RANKL signaling, also used for osteoporosis)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to prevent breast cancer in high-risk premenopausal women with dense breasts.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase 2 trial with only 210 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Denosumab can cause side effects like low calcium levels and jaw problems.

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 neoplasm breast cancer prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Washington University School of Medicine

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States