Clinical Report: Ambitious Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Program at USC Norris

Overview

Keck Medicine’s USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is expanding access to over 25 clinical trials for breast cancer patients, aiming to increase participation post-COVID-19. The center is investigating innovative therapies, including personalized treatments based on cancer gene profiling and less invasive options.

Background

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, necessitating ongoing research and clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected clinical trial participation, highlighting the need for renewed efforts to engage patients. Expanding clinical trial access is crucial for advancing breast cancer treatment and optimizing patient care.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data or trial results were provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center offers over 25 clinical trials for breast cancer.
• The ISPY neoadjuvant trial is exploring curative therapy prior to surgery based on cancer gene profiling.
• Research includes vaccines and T cell therapy for advanced breast cancer.
• Efforts are underway to de-escalate chemotherapy for premenopausal women using less toxic endocrine therapy.
• Multidisciplinary teams assess patient eligibility for clinical trials weekly.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider referring eligible breast cancer patients to clinical trials as a means to access cutting-edge therapies. Increasing awareness and participation in clinical trials can enhance treatment options and potentially improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to advancing breast cancer treatment through an expanded clinical trial portfolio, addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic and aiming for improved patient care.

References

1. Keck Medicine of USC, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2023 -- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center opens state-of-the-art Newport Beach radiation oncology and imaging center
2. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- American Cancer Society Launches Nationwide Program to Increase Equity in Clinical Trials
3. The ASCO Post, 2014 -- Lung-MAP Trial Debuts—Other Personalized Studies Will Follow
4. Mayo Clinic, 2023 -- Breast Cancer, Version 5.2025 Featured Updates to the NCCN Guidelines
5. FDA, 2023 -- FDA approves fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki for unresectable or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-low or HER2-ultralow breast cancer
6. The ASCO Post — Chanita Hughes-Halbert, PhD, to Advance Cancer Equity at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
7. Breast Cancer, Version 5.2025 Featured Updates to the NCCN Guidelines - Mayo Clinic
8. FDA approves fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki for unresectable or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-low or HER2-ultralow breast cancer | FDA
9. NIH NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTEProfessional Judgment Budget