Platinum Chemotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

This trial aims to determine whether the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin or carboplatin (both platinum-based) are more effective than capecitabine in treating triple-negative basal-like breast cancer that persists after initial chemotherapy and surgery. The trial will assess if these drugs can more effectively stop cancer cells from growing or spreading. Suitable participants are those who have undergone chemotherapy and surgery for stage II or III triple-negative breast cancer but still have residual cancer in the breast. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, providing participants access to potentially effective treatments.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, adjuvant chemotherapy other than specified in the protocol is not allowed, but certain medications like LHRH agonists and bisphosphonates are permitted. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.

Research shows that both carboplatin and cisplatin have undergone safety studies for treating triple-negative breast cancer. Studies indicate that carboplatin is generally well-tolerated, with manageable side effects like low blood counts, nausea, or fatigue. A review of various studies shows that cisplatin is also considered safe, with common side effects similar to those of carboplatin. Both treatments have been safely used in clinical settings for cancer.

Researchers are excited about platinum-based chemotherapy, using Carboplatin and Cisplatin, for triple-negative breast cancer because these drugs offer a unique approach to attacking cancer cells. Unlike standard treatments such as anthracyclines and taxanes, Carboplatin and Cisplatin work by binding to the DNA of cancer cells, causing damage that prevents them from multiplying. This mechanism can be particularly effective for triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks the hormone receptors that many other treatments target. Additionally, these drugs can be administered intravenously, allowing for precise dosing and potentially reducing side effects compared to oral treatments. The potential for more targeted action and the ability to tackle aggressive cancer cells makes this approach a promising alternative to existing therapies.

Research has shown that platinum-based chemotherapy, such as carboplatin, holds promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer. In this trial, some participants will receive carboplatin. Studies have found that it can help patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer live longer and reduce the chance of recurrence. After three years, 77.9% of patients using carboplatin experienced no cancer return, and 87.6% remained alive.