Georgetown University Hospital Study Contributes to Personalized Breast Cancer Treatments

Friday, Feb. 4 is World Cancer Day, but every day is cancer day at . The center is one of 20 U.S. institutions participating in the I-SPY 2 clinical trial program, which expedites the screening of new drugs for women with early stage but high risk breast cancer. The program's targeted treatment programs could dramatically increase the chances of survival in high-risk populations.

I-SPY 2 stand for “Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict Your Therapeutic Response with Imaging and Molecular Analysis -2.” To target treatment doctors test tumors for genetic or biological markers and make treatment and drug determinations based on the findings from the tumors. The results will also help guide future decisions when prescribing drugs for certain tumor characteristics and reduce the use of ineffective treatments. 

“The goal of I-SPY 2 is to use an individual’s tumor characteristics to identify the most effective combination of anti-cancer agents as early in the treatment course as possible,” says the Lombardi lead investigator, Minetta Liu, M.D., director of translational breast cancer research.

I-SPY 2 is targeted at women with newly diagnosed advanced breast cancer. The trial will treat about 800 women, who will be enrolled in the study prior to surgery. Georgetown has not yet enrolled any patients in the program, but is actively seeking trial participants.

Patients looking for more information about this study and other clinical trials at Lombardi can call 202-444-4000.