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

NCT ID NCT03289039

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER

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

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