Breast Service Research

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Breast Service Research - Research at Peter Mac

The Peter Mac Breast Service is one of the largest clinical service providers for breast diseases in Australia, supported by a strong multidisciplinary clinical and translational research program encompassing the entire disease spectrum.

Research focus

Breast cancer genetics; Breast cancer prevention; Early stage breast cancer; Locally advanced breast cancer; Metastatic breast cancer; Survivorship issues.

Research overview

The Breast Service is actively progressing a strategic planning and service development framework to establish national and international leadership in research driven multidisciplinary clinical program for optimal patient outcomes. Our strong and diverse research program, which encompasses laboratory, translational and clinical research, draws on the collective academic strengths of our members in collaboration with other leading Peter Mac researchers and major national and international clinical trials groups.

Clinical trials and research projects

BIG 3-07/TROG 07.01 A phase III study of radiation dose escalation and fractionation schedules in non-low risk ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) of the breast.

[B.H. Chua, International Study Chair] This is a TROG (Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group)-led trial in collaboration with the Breast International Group, NCI Canada Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), UK Breast Intergroup and International Breast Cancer Trials Group (IBCSG). This active trial aims to individualise radiation therapy for women with DCIS of the breast and is underpinned by an international translational research program that investigates the biological profiles of DCIS predictive of a high risk of invasive breast cancer recurrence.

TROG 03.05 A phase III study of regional radiation therapy for early breast cancer.

[B.H. Chua, International Study Co-Chair] This study evaluates if regional nodal irradiation in addition to whole breast radiation after breast conserving surgery and systemic therapy improves overall survival for early breast cancer. The first results of the study were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Scientific Meeting in 2011.

TROG 10.02 Randomised trial of accelerated partial breast irradiation (RAPID).

[B.H. Chua, Australian Study Chair] This active trial evaluates if partial breast irradiation using external beam 3D conformal radiotherapy is as effective as the more protracted conventional whole breast irradiation after breast conserving surgery for early breast cancer. If confirmed, partial breast irradiation will improve convenience of care for patients and radiotherapy resource utilisation.

International Steering Committee for SOFT and TEXT phase III randomized trials of adjuvant therapy for premenopausal breast cancer.

[P. Francis. Chua, Study Chair] These trials are designed to improve outcomes for young women with breast cancer and have recruited more than 5000 women.

Targeted chemotherapy for women with breast and ovarian cancer associated with germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

[G. Mitchell] For details of this research, please see the Familial Cancer Centre.

‘There is no decision for me’: A qualitative study examining the decision-making process for women offered predictive testing for the breast/ovarian cancer predisposition genes BRCA1 and BRCA2

[M.A. Young] For details of this research, please see the Familial Cancer Centre.

Prognosis in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Carriers With Breast Cancer

[K.A. Phillips] The Australian component of this international study is led from Peter Mac and is funded by the US National Institutes of Health. The study aims to determine whether BRCA status independently affects breast cancer prognosis.

kConFab clinical follow-up study

[K.A. Phillips] This study is led from Peter Mac and is a long-term study designed to prospectively evaluate the impact of environmental modifiers on cancer risk in individuals from breast cancer families. For details of this research, please see the kConFab Follow-up Study.

Tamoxifen and risk of contralateral breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers

[K.A. Phillips. Study Chair] This study is evaluating the efficacy of tamoxifen as secondary chemoprevention for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, using data on several thousand carriers from three major international cohort studies – kConFab, the International BRCA1/2 Carrier Cohort Study and the Breast Cooperative Family Registry.