Study of Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin, and Paclitaxel for Patients with Stage I Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

2 1 1 1

What is this study about?

This clinical trial is focused on studying a type of breast cancer known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), specifically in its early stage, referred to as stage I. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment combination that includes three medications: pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel. Pembrolizumab, also known by its code name MK-3475, is a medication that helps the immune system fight cancer cells. Carboplatin and paclitaxel are chemotherapy drugs that work by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

The purpose of this study is to assess how well this combination of medications can eliminate cancer cells before surgery. Participants will receive these medications over a period of time, and their response to the treatment will be closely monitored. The study will involve regular check-ups and assessments to see how the cancer responds to the treatment. The ultimate goal is to see if the cancer can be completely removed by the time of surgery.

Throughout the study, participants will undergo various tests and provide samples to help researchers understand the treatment’s effects. The study will also monitor any side effects that may occur during the treatment. This research is important for finding more effective ways to treat early-stage triple-negative breast cancer and improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.

1 initial treatment phase

Upon joining the study, the first phase involves receiving three medications: pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel. These medications are administered through an intravenous infusion, which means they are given directly into a vein.

Pembrolizumab is provided as a 25 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion. Carboplatin is given as a 10 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion. Paclitaxel is administered as a 6 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion.

The frequency and dosage of these medications will be determined by the study protocol and the healthcare team overseeing the trial.

2 monitoring and assessment

Throughout the treatment phase, regular monitoring and assessments are conducted to evaluate the response to the medications. This includes providing blood samples and undergoing imaging tests as required by the study protocol.

After two cycles of treatment, an assessment is performed to determine the progress and any changes in the condition.

3 end of treatment evaluation

At the end of the treatment phase, a final evaluation is conducted before surgery. This involves providing additional blood samples and undergoing imaging tests to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

The main objective is to evaluate the pathological complete response, which is the absence of invasive cancer in both the breast and lymph nodes following the treatment.

4 surgery

Following the completion of the treatment phase and final evaluation, surgery is performed to remove any remaining cancerous tissue.

The success of the treatment is measured by the absence of invasive cancer in the tissue removed during surgery.

5 follow-up

After surgery, follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and any long-term effects of the treatment.

These appointments are important to ensure the continued health and well-being of the patient.

Who Can Join the Study?

  • Sign a written informed consent form before starting any specific study procedures.
  • The tumor size must be between more than 10 mm and 20 mm by mammogram or ultrasound, or 25 mm or less after a biopsy by breast MRI. Note: Up to 25 mm is allowed if the MRI is done within 2 weeks after the biopsy due to tissue inflammation.
  • No cancer spread to lymph nodes, confirmed by clinical exam and local imaging tests.
  • Having tumors in both breasts or multiple tumors in one or both breasts is allowed. The most advanced tumor will be used to check eligibility, and TNBC must be confirmed for each tumor. Both armpits need to be checked for cancer spread.
  • No signs of cancer spreading to other parts of the body based on imaging tests.
  • No previous major surgery on the same side of the breast for the current cancer.
  • Agree to provide tumor tissue samples at the start and during surgery, and blood samples at the start, after two treatment cycles, and at the end of treatment before surgery.
  • No previous chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation therapy for this cancer.
  • Females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and agree to use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose of the study drug. They must not donate eggs or breastfeed during this time.
  • Male patients and females of childbearing potential who have heterosexual intercourse must agree to use effective birth control and not donate sperm or eggs during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose of the study drug.
  • Have adequate bone marrow, liver, and kidney function, as shown by specific blood test results.
  • Must be available for treatment and follow-up visits.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Have an ECOG performance status of 0-1, which means being fully active or restricted in physically strenuous activity but able to carry out light work.
  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of TNBC based on local laboratory results, meaning the tumor has less than 1% expression of certain receptors and specific results for HER2 testing.

Who Cannot Join the Study?

  • Patients with any other type of cancer besides HR-negative/HER2-negative resectable stage I TNBC cannot participate. This means the study is only for a specific type of breast cancer.
  • Patients who have had previous treatment for this type of cancer are not eligible.
  • Patients with serious heart conditions cannot participate.
  • Patients with uncontrolled infections are not allowed to join the study.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot take part in the study.
  • Patients who are unable to follow the study procedures for any reason are not eligible.
  • Patients with any other medical condition that the study doctors think would make it unsafe for them to participate cannot join.

Where you can join this trial?

Verified and Recommended Sites

No sites found in this category

Verified Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Hospital Universitario De Navarra Pamplona Spain
Hospital Clinico San Carlos Madrid Spain

Other Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Hospital Universitari Dexeus Grupo Quironsalud Barcelona Spain
Virgen del Rocío University Hospital Sevilla Spain
Universidade De Santiago De Compostela Santiago De Compostela Spain
Inxuoflr Ctwjpi Dtopdzawgpsepdjuk L'hospitalet De Llobregat Spain
Hvjxeshc Vwky duwosbxz Barcelona Spain
Hcxydixw Uqaokbxlgmuat dm A Cqailf A Coruna Galicia Spain

Want to learn more about this study or check if you can participate? Contact us.

Trial status

Country Status Recruitment Start
Spain Spain
Not recruiting
17.03.2025

Trial locations

Pembrolizumab is a type of medication known as an immunotherapy. It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. In this study, pembrolizumab is used to help your body fight against triple-negative breast cancer by boosting your immune response to the cancer cells.

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat various types of cancer, including breast cancer. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. In this study, carboplatin is used to help shrink the tumor before surgery by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying.

Paclitaxel is another chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of cancer. It works by interfering with the normal function of microtubules during cell division, which stops cancer cells from growing and spreading. In this study, paclitaxel is used alongside other treatments to help reduce the size of the tumor before surgery.

Investigated diseases:

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) – Triple-Negative Breast Cancer is a type of breast cancer that lacks three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth: estrogen, progesterone, and the HER2 protein. This subtype of breast cancer is more aggressive and tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types. It is often diagnosed at a higher stage and is more likely to recur after treatment. TNBC is more common in younger women and those with a BRCA1 gene mutation. The progression of TNBC can vary, but it typically involves rapid growth and potential spread to other parts of the body. It is important to monitor for changes and manage symptoms as the disease progresses.

Trial ID:
2024-513511-27-00
Protocol code:
MEDOPP599
NCT ID:
NCT06604858
Trial Phase:
Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Other Trials to Consider

  • Study on Early Detection of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Relapse Using 68Ga-FAPI-46 for Patients at High Risk

    Recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    France
  • A study comparing datopotamab deruxtecan with durvalumab versus datopotamab deruxtecan alone for patients with PDL1-negative metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

    Recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Germany Spain