Promising combo for tough breast cancer hits early snag
NCT ID NCT04216472
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This early-phase trial tested a combination of two drugs—nab-paclitaxel (a chemotherapy) and alpelisib (a targeted therapy)—in patients with triple-negative breast cancer that had specific genetic changes (PIK3CA or PTEN) and didn't respond to standard treatment. The goal was to shrink tumors before surgery. However, the study was stopped early after enrolling only 6 people, so we have very little data on how well it works or its side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- nab-paclitaxel and alpelisib
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could shrink tumors before surgery in patients with a hard-to-treat form of breast cancer that hasn't responded to standard chemotherapy.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early with only 6 participants, so results are very limited. It's unclear if the combination is safe or effective, and it only applies to patients with specific genetic mutations.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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