New drug cocktail shows promise against aggressive breast cancer

NCT ID NCT01796197

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

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a combination of chemotherapy (paclitaxel) and two targeted antibodies (trastuzumab and pertuzumab) given before mastectomy to 23 women with HER2-positive inflammatory breast cancer. The goal was to see if the treatment could wipe out all cancer in the breast and lymph nodes by the time of surgery. Results showed that some women had a complete response, meaning no cancer remained, and the approach may help lower the chance of recurrence.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Paclitaxel, Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could improve the chance of eliminating all cancer before surgery and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 23 participants. The drugs may cause side effects like heart problems, and the results may not apply to all patients.

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 inflammatory breast carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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