Tocilizumab for the Treatment of Refractory Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (NCT07595900) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingPhase 1/2
Tocilizumab for the Treatment of Refractory Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis
31 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
Non-Lactational Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (NL-GLM) is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, characterized clinically by local breast masses, accompanied by redness and swelling of the overlying skin, sinus tract formation, and other symptoms. Currently, there is no universally accepted standard treatment for this condition; previous expert consensus or practice guidelines have mostly recommended systemic glucocorticoid therapy as the primary treatment approach. Our team's preliminary research has confirmed that local glucocorticoid injection achieves efficacy equivalent to systemic administration but with better safety, making it a first-line treatment option for NL-GLM. However, in our preliminary studies and literature reports, we found that some patients still exhibit glucocorticoid dependence or resistance (i.e., refractory NL-GLM) after receiving either local or systemic glucocorticoid therapy. The lack of high-quality evidence to support subsequent-line treatments has become a major bottleneck in clinical management. Additionally, some patients cannot tolerate glucocorticoid therapy due to its adverse effects. Research has shown that the IL-6 inflammatory pathway is significantly activated in the lesion tissues and peripheral blood of NL-GLM patients, and the IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab has demonstrated efficacy in various autoimmune diseases. Based on this, this study intends to conduct a dual-center, single-arm clinical trial to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in the treatment of refractory NL-GLM. The aim is to fill the treatment gap, provide high-level evidence for clinical practice, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 50 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
. Females aged 20 to 50 years;
. Clinically diagnosed (combined with pathology) with non-lactational granulomatous mastitis (cessation of lactation for more than 6 months);
. M-Activity-Score ≥ 2;
. Steroid-refractory NL-GLM or intolerant to steroid therapy.
. Female subjects of childbearing potential agree to use highly effective contraception starting at least 7 days before the first dose until 16 weeks after dosing. Pregnancy tests for female subjects of childbearing potential must be negative within 7 days before the first dose.
Exclusion criteria
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
1
8-week inflammatory remission rate
Timeframe: Week 8 after enrollment
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07595900
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
. Bilateral mastitis occurring simultaneously or sequentially within six months.
. Clinical diagnosis (combined with pathological findings) of periductal mastitis.
. History of lymphoproliferative disorder; or presence of signs or symptoms suggestive of a possible lymphoproliferative disorder (including lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly); or active primary or recurrent malignancy; or clinically significant malignancy with a remission duration of less than 5 years.
. Patients with carcinoma in situ of the cervix may participate if successfully treated with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis for at least 3 years.
. Patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin may participate if successfully treated with no evidence of recurrence for at least 3 years.
. Patients who are pregnant.
. Current or recent severe viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection, including but not limited to:
. Symptomatic herpes zoster infection within 12 weeks prior to screening.