Thank you for your interest in this clinical trial to investigate a new treatment approach for certain forms of hereditary breast cancer.
Not all breast cancers are the same. We believe that breast cancer associated with inherited faults in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 may have some special features that could make it more responsive to particular types of treatment.
Scientists believe that a drug called carboplatin, not usually used for breast cancer but commonly used for ovarian cancer, may be particularly active against this form of cancer.
In order to answer this question we need to perform a clinical trial in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 associated breast cancer, whose disease has spread to another part of their body. Some of these women will be treated with the carboplatin drug first, followed by an established chemotherapy drug (docetaxel) second. Other women will receive the drugs in the reverse order. We will look at the effects of each drug in controlling the disease and also the side effects.
It is important to realise that this approach is specific to this rare but important form of breast cancer. To find out if you may be suitable to take part in this trial, visit the BRCA trial information page on the CancerHelp UK website.
How to find out more
There are a number of other clinical trials available for women with the more usual forms of breast cancer. Further information on these other trials, and trials in general, is available through the CancerHelp UK clinical trials website.
There are now national guidelines produced by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for members of the public. These guidelines can help your doctor assess whether you have or may develop this kind of breast cancer and how to refer for specialist advice if necessary. The guidelines also advise on the need for breast screening depending on your level of risk.
