Promising drug combo for Hard-to-Treat breast cancer falls short in early trial

NCT ID NCT03289039

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested the drug neratinib, alone or with fulvestrant, in 21 people with HER2-positive, ER-positive metastatic breast cancer. The study aimed to see if the combination could slow cancer growth. However, the trial was terminated early, meaning we have limited data on how well it works.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Neratinib (a pill that blocks HER2 protein) and Fulvestrant (a hormone therapy injection)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with HER2-positive, ER-positive metastatic breast cancer.

What could go wrong

This was a small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The drug may not work better than existing treatments and can cause side effects like diarrhea.

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 cancer breast neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Dana-Farber/New Hampshire Oncology-Hematology

    Londonderry, New Hampshire, 03053, United States

  • Eastern Maine Medical Center

    Brewer, Maine, 04412, United States

  • Indiana University

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

  • The Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

  • UT Southwestern

    Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States