Clinical trials, or protocols, are treatments using new anti-cancer drugs or innovative approaches to therapy. The trial is a double-blinded study, meaning that neither the doctor nor the patient will know which drug is being administered. Only postmenopausal women who have a definable increased risk of developing breast cancer are eligible to participate in the study. Risk factors include a strong family history of breast cancer, breast lumps requiring biopsy, early menstruation, no children or childbirth after age 30 and older age. Eligibility and risk based on these and other factors will be determined by computer program.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States.
Community hospitals belonging to Fox Chase Network are also participating in STAR through their affiliation with Fox Chase Cancer Center. Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of 35 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. The Center's activities include basic and clinical research, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and community outreach programs.