Breast cancer care is always changing and improving. As researchers uncover new ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer, treatments become more precise and personalized. Research is where cancer care begins. It provides us with a road map for cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.
At the Abramson Cancer Center, our Breast Cancer Program’s oncologists engage in breast cancer research and understand how investigational therapies may work as part of your treatment plan. Our breast cancer research and clinical trials program is one of the nation's few dedicated breast cancer research programs associated with a comprehensive cancer center. Our high-level research gives you access to the most advanced cancer care, new medications and promising treatments.
How Breast Cancer Research Impacts Our Care
Our breast cancer care is rooted in advanced research. Our physicians are engaged in research and understand the evolution of breast cancer treatment. Members of our team are recognized experts who establish national protocols and guidelines for breast cancer care. This gives you immediate access to the newest drugs and innovative research. We provide forward-thinking, state-of-the-art care at every stage of your disease.
When appropriate, our physicians offer investigational treatments through clinical trials as options for your care plan. We have studies for every aspect of breast cancer from screening to surveillance. If you have a higher risk of breast cancer, we offer a wide range of research opportunities investigating everything from lifestyle modifications to novel types of screening to therapies for specific gene mutations.
Understanding the Purpose of Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a research study that tests the success of new medical approaches in people. These trials are sometimes called human studies or clinical studies. Clinical trials are used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are both safe and effective. Every drug available in the U.S. must be tested in a clinical trial to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Breast cancer clinical trials often test new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease. Because doctors and researchers are always studying the disease and treatments, clinical trials may be the best option to treat certain types of breast cancer.
Find a breast cancer clinical trial
Nationally Recognized Breast Cancer Research and Clinical Trials
Our breast cancer research leaves no stone unturned. Through clinical, laboratory and imaging studies, we investigate all aspects of breast cancer to provide you with the best possible care. Our clinical trial program combines leading-edge treatments with patient-centered care. Our large portfolio of clinical trials gives you increased options not offered through standard treatments.
We are nationally recognized for our:
- Designation as an NCI Comprehensive cancer center: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recognizes us as a comprehensive cancer center with a distinct breast cancer research program.
- Established, funded program: The NCI has continuously funded our program since it began in 1995. We also have extensive funding from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Stand Up to Cancer.
- Advancement of targeted therapies: We are a nationwide leader for research related to targeted therapies for breast cancer. We led the development of PARP inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors, which are now FDA-approved standards of care. Our research and trials continue to advance targeted therapy for breast cancer.
- Pioneers in BRCA research: The Basser Center for BRCA is the first comprehensive center focused on research for the prevention and treatment of BRCA-related cancers. If you have a high risk of breast cancer, the Basser Center for BRCA offers unique access to clinical trials for hereditary cancer.
- Clinical trials close to home: Some clinical trials allow you to participate from any Penn Medicine breast cancer location. Our breast cancer specialists and researchers collaborate seamlessly across the network to ensure you receive the best care possible, no matter where you live.
- Focused studies and innovations for breast cancer recurrence: Our 2-PREVENT Breast Cancer Translational Center of Excellence is the only program in the country dedicated to research and clinical trials to improve recurrent cancer cell detection, genomic testing and screening.
- Participation in premier research consortia: As members of prestigious research associations, including the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (TBCRC), I-SPY Consortium and the ECOG/ACRIN Cooperative Trials Group, we collaborate with the best breast cancer researchers in the country. We participate in many trials through these groups and implement these research findings into our clinical care.
- Renowned imaging research: We are international leaders in the development of innovative imaging technologies for breast cancer, including breast MRI and 3D mammogram. Our research provides expert breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
Participating in Research and Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer at Penn Medicine
There are many ways to get involved in breast cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center. All of them help us establish the direction of breast cancer care.
We make it easy to participate in breast cancer research whether you are a patient at Penn or elsewhere. After you contact us, our clinical trial nurse navigator works with you to identify a trial or study appropriate to your diagnosis. Once your study begins, a research program manager helps you navigate all aspects of the experience.
Participation in our breast cancer research program can include access to our large portfolio of clinical trials for innovative treatments, observational studies for researchers to learn more about breast cancer treatments, database and biobank contributions to donate your tumor and clinical information, and regional studies targeting particular populations.
How Clinical Trials Affect Your Breast Cancer Treatment
We know that one size does not fit all when it comes to breast cancer treatment. That is why we look at every option to personalize treatment to your breast cancer diagnosis.
Our physicians have a deep understanding of which treatments are proven and what therapies are on the horizon. We will talk with you about all your treatment options, including investigational treatments available through our clinical trial program, such as:
When you participate in a clinical trial at the Abramson Cancer Center, you benefit from our team approach. Whenever possible, your primary oncologist will continue to manage your care, even if they are outside the Penn Medicine network. Our research team and your primary oncologist collaborate to give you the support you need during your treatment.
Support During Your Oncology Clinical Trial
During your trial, you will work with a specialized research nurse. The support provided by your research nurse includes:
- Working with the research team to understand how the trial works
- Coordinating your trial-related appointments
- Educating you about possible side effects
- Guiding you in proper trial protocol and procedures
- Communicating with your oncology and research team about your progress on the trial
To manage any side effects during your participation, you will also have access to the breast cancer support services we offer to all our breast cancer patients.
Read frequently asked questions about participating in clinical trials at the Abramson Cancer Center
How a Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Helped Encourage Diversity in Medical Research
Six years after her triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, Sharon Rivera-Sanchez became a breast cancer clinical trial advocate for people of color. Using her voice and firsthand experience with the CLEVER study for her own treatment, Sharon has worked with the Abramson Cancer Center to encourage women of color to get involved in clinical trials and research. Meet Sharon Rivera-Sanchez.
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