CompletedNot Applicable

Pre-analytical Factors Affecting ctDNA Analysis in Early and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

United States114 participantsStarted 2022-07-07

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates pre-analytical factors affecting circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) analysis in breast cancer that not spread beyond the breast and or lymph nodes (early and locally advanced). ctDNA refers to freely circulating tumor DNA fragments found in the blood plasma. Pre-analytical factors such as blood collection tubes, delays in separation of plasma, centrifugation speeds, storage conditions, shipping and DNA extraction methods can all affect ctDNA measurements. Inappropriate processing can cause breaking down of the membrane (lysis) of peripheral blood cells that release background wild-type DNA and may also cause degradation of circulating tumor-specific DNA fragments. Both mechanisms will dilute levels of ctDNA in plasma and make it more difficult to detect. Evaluating the pre-analytical factors of the collection of blood and left over tissue samples for the research of cancer may help researchers to evaluate the impact of the blood collection/processing and long-term storage from patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All women \> 18 years of age * Stage I-III breast cancer * Subject has consented to IRB 2130-00 Tissue Registry Exclusion Criteria: * Stage IV breast cancer * Unwilling or unable to give consent * Unable to participate for 1 year * No one with a concurrent cancer except those diagnosed with an in situ cancer or non-melanoma skin cancer

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in tumor specific circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) levels

Timeframe: Baseline to 5 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05945290

SponsorMayo Clinic

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-16

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anatomic Stage I Breast Cancer AJCC v8 trials