New drug combo offers hope for elderly breast cancer patients avoiding surgery
NCT ID NCT02760030
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II trial tested a combination of hormone therapy drugs (fulvestrant or an aromatase inhibitor) plus palbociclib in 14 elderly patients with hormone-responsive breast cancer who either had inoperable tumors or were too frail for surgery. The goal was to see if this drug-only approach could control the cancer without the need for surgery. The study measured how long patients stayed on treatment without it failing, and also tracked changes in cognitive function and overall well-being.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Fulvestrant or an aromatase inhibitor combined with palbociclib
What this could lead to
If successful, this drug combination could offer an effective non-surgical treatment option for elderly breast cancer patients who are too frail for surgery or choose not to have it.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 14 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The combination may cause side effects like fatigue or low blood counts, and it is not a cure—patients will need ongoing treatment.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HORMONE-RECEPTOR-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Case Western University
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
-
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
-
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Edgewood, Kentucky, 41017, United States