Early Breast Cancer
WSG Westdeutsche Studiengruppe GmbH focuses on treatment strategies for early breast cancer across multiple molecular subtypes, including ER+/HER2-, HR+/HER2-, HER2+, and triple-negative breast cancer. The research portfolio includes both neoadjuvant therapy and adjuvant therapy settings.
- Pathologic complete response
- Invasive disease-free survival
- Event-free survival
- Distant disease-free survival
Key interests include risk-adapted treatment selection for patients with intermediate- and high-risk disease, with attention to recurrence prevention and long-term disease control.
Hormone Receptor-Positive Disease
The sponsor is active in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, especially HR+/HER2- early breast cancer and HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. The funded studies examine endocrine-based treatment approaches in both early and metastatic settings.
- Endocrine therapy
- CDK4/6 inhibition
- Progression after hormone therapy
- Adjuvant treatment intensification
Research activity in this area includes combinations with targeted agents such as abemaciclib, ribociclib, capivasertib, and elacestrant.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
The sponsor supports clinical research in HER2-positive early breast cancer, with emphasis on neoadjuvant treatment options that compare targeted antibody-drug conjugate approaches against established chemotherapy-based regimens.
- Trastuzumab deruxtecan
- Anti-HER2 therapy
- Neoadjuvant response
- Recurrence risk reduction
These studies reflect interest in improving tumour response and longer-term disease control in patients with HER2-driven disease.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Another major area of activity is triple-negative early breast cancer, including both low-risk and stage II-III disease. The research portfolio evaluates immunotherapy combinations and antibody-drug conjugate-based strategies in the neoadjuvant setting.
- Sacituzumab govitecan
- Pembrolizumab
- Immune checkpoint inhibition
- Pathologic response
Clinical interest extends to patients with different recurrence risk profiles, with outcomes centred on event-free survival and tumour eradication before surgery.
Patient-Centred Outcomes and Treatment Sequencing
The sponsor also places emphasis on quality of life, treatment duration, and therapy sequencing in breast cancer care, particularly in studies assessing how targeted treatment may affect everyday functioning during prolonged therapy.
- Quality of life
- Treatment adherence
- Time to next treatment
- Personalised therapy
This includes research in project management across multicentre oncology networks involving patients treated at multiple sites in Europe.
