Could Pre-Surgery radiation zap breast cancer before it spreads?

NCT ID NCT03909282

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study compares standard surgery alone versus a short course of radiotherapy followed by surgery for women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of breast cancer. The goal is to see if pre-surgery radiation can completely eliminate the cancer cells in the removed tissue. Fifty women with small, non-palpable DCIS will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and researchers will check for any remaining cancer after surgery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: partial breast irradiation (radiotherapy)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could reduce the chance of DCIS returning after surgery and may allow less extensive surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Radiotherapy also carries risks like skin irritation or damage to nearby tissues.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast ductal adenocarcinoma ductal breast carcinoma in situ

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DUCTAL BREAST CARCINOMA IN SITU

Contacts and locations

Locations

Stanford University
RECRUITING

Stanford, California, 94304, United States

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