What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Breast cancer treatments work through various mechanisms to target and eliminate cancer cells. Endocrine therapy, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, blocks hormones like estrogen that fuel certain breast cancers. Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Targeted therapies, like HER2 inhibitors (e.g., trastuzumab), specifically target cancer cell proteins to inhibit growth and survival. Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. These treatments are crucial for breast cancer patients as they not only aim to eradicate cancer but also improve survival rates and quality of life. Effective survivorship care planning, which includes structured post-treatment care and support, helps manage long-term side effects and reduces the risk of recurrence, ensuring better overall outcomes for patients.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Surgery can lead to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Radiation therapy may cause skin irritation, fatigue, and changes in breast appearance. Chemotherapy is associated with nausea, hair loss, fatigue, and increased risk of infection. Hormone therapy can result in hot flashes, mood swings, and increased risk of blood clots. These side effects can impact the quality of life, highlighting the importance of structured post-treatment care and support.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several drugs for the treatment of breast cancer that align with the goals of survivorship care planning. These include hormone therapies like tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (e.g., letrozole, anastrozole), which are used to reduce the risk of recurrence in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Additionally, targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer have been approved to improve survival rates. These treatments, along with structured post-treatment care plans, aim to enhance the quality of life and long-term outcomes for breast cancer survivors.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to traditional Survivorship Care Planning for breast cancer patients include: 1) Nurse-led survivorship care models, which provide individualized and tailored support, promoting self-management and increasing engagement with primary care providers. 2) Comprehensive survivorship programs that integrate physical, psychological, and social support, addressing the holistic needs of survivors. 3) Digital health interventions, such as mobile apps and telehealth services, which offer remote monitoring, personalized health education, and support. These alternatives aim to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for breast cancer survivors.

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Survivorship Care for Breast Cancer Survivors

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Kimlin Ashing-Giwa

Research Sponsored by City of Hope Medical Center

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up at 12 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a special health plan and counseling to help breast cancer survivors manage their health and improve their quality of life. The plan includes a booklet with health tips and support sessions with a healthcare guide.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for breast cancer survivors living in Southern California who are post-surgery up to 18 months after active treatment for stage 0-3 breast cancer. It's open to those with a history of mild depression, anxiety, hypertension, or diabetes.

What is being tested?

The study tests if survivorship care plans can improve life quality for breast cancer survivors. Participants will receive educational and counseling interventions alongside standard care and complete questionnaires assessing their well-being.

What are the potential side effects?

Since the interventions involve education and counseling rather than medications, there may be minimal side effects such as emotional distress or discomfort during discussions about personal experiences with cancer.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ at 12 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~at 12 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at 12 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Secondary study objectives

Adherence to SCP guidelines

Proportion of BCS accessing a SCP from their oncology provider

Other study objectives

Develop a clinically and psychosocially responsive SCP-BCS template in English and a linguistically response bilingual version (English-Spanish)

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Arm I (SCP-BCS template booklet and counseling)Experimental Treatment4 Interventions

Participants receive SCP-BCS template booklet and receive counseling sessions with a patient navigator for 40 minutes twice weekly for 4 sessions.

Group II: Arm II (SCP-BCS template booklet)Active Control4 Interventions

Participants receive SCP-BCS template booklet and receive standard follow-up care.

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

quality-of-life assessment

2012

Completed Phase 3

~2780

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Breast cancer treatments work through various mechanisms to target and eliminate cancer cells. Endocrine therapy, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, blocks hormones like estrogen that fuel certain breast cancers. Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Targeted therapies, like HER2 inhibitors (e.g., trastuzumab), specifically target cancer cell proteins to inhibit growth and survival. Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. These treatments are crucial for breast cancer patients as they not only aim to eradicate cancer but also improve survival rates and quality of life. Effective survivorship care planning, which includes structured post-treatment care and support, helps manage long-term side effects and reduces the risk of recurrence, ensuring better overall outcomes for patients.