If we can achieve optimal timing, it could result in as many as 40 percent of breast cancer patients becoming long-term survivors. Study participants will be randomized into three groups. One group will receive the new drug combination in conventional dosages for four treatment cycles, then will be treated at a fixed interval with high dose therapy and transplantation. A second group will receive conventional doses of the new drug combination, and the high-dose therapy will be delivered only when there is evidence of relapse or disease progression. A third group will receive high-dose therapy immediately, in conjunction with stem cell transplantation, followed by the chemotherapy at the time of relapse or disease progression.
Breast cancer is an abnormal cell growth originating in glandular tissue.
If not diagnosed early, these cells invade surrounding tissue and spread through the blood and lymph node system. Although many women with breast cancer are treated successfully, about 50 percent of breast cancer patients eventually develop a reoccurence of cancer. Joining Dr. Baynes as the lead investigator is William P. Peters, M.D., Ph.D., director and CEO of Karmanos Cancer Institute. The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of the nation's leading cancer research, treatment, education and outreach centers. The Institute is partners with Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center, St. Mary Hospital in Livonia and North Oakland Medical Centers.