Research

The Mary Jo Cropper Family Center for Breast Care actively participates in clinical research, including enrolling patients in national trials. Our goal is to ensure each of our patients gets the most advanced care available.

Making a Difference

Breast MRI Research Registry

The center was the first in the area to develop a Research Registry database on all patients undergoing breast MRI at Bethesda North Hospital. This database will be used for retrospective research studies related to breast health. The first review of the data showed a 15 percent change in patient management due to breast MRI.

Radioactive Seed Localization

Radioactive seed localization is superior to the traditional wire localization technique as a guide to the surgeon to remove non-palpable, suspicious breast cancer. This procedure is more accurate and better tolerated by patients. Our project started in August 2009. Since seed localization has been introduced at Bethesda North, 95 percent of the surgical cases have used this technique. An analysis comparison of seed localization versus traditional needle localization is in progress.

Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes with Ultrasound in Breast Cancer Patients

Axillary ultrasound is being investigated as an alternative technique to assess axillary lymph nodes in patients with suspicious and malignant breast masses. Before introducting this ultrasound procedure, patients with breast cancer were routinely sent for sentinel lymph biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. These procedures may result in significant patient morbidity. Hopefully, the Center will demonstrate that axillary ultrasound will decrease the costly and painful morbidity associated with lymph node dissections.

Generous Support

Our research is supported, in part, by proceeds from an annual auction of art pieces displayed on the walls throughout the Center. Each year, the Bethesda Foundation purchases the art for display and then auctions a select number of pieces. All proceeds support the Center’s clinical research. In addition, the Center has been supported by the Susan G. Komen Foundation and is affliated with TriHealth’s Hatton Center for Research.

Our Active Trials
Phase II Trials
Evaluating the role of sentinel lymph node surgery and axillary lymph node dissection following pre-operative chemotherapy in women with node positive breast cancer (TO-4, NI-2, MO) at the initial diagnosis. (ACOSOG Z 1071) Exploring the success of CryoAblation therapy in the treatment of invasive breast cancer. This is an exploratory trial to test the hypothesis that ablation can achieve the complete removal of the cancer as well as surgical resection. (ACOSOG Z 1072)
Phase III Trials
The selective modulation of the estrogen receptors has been shown to be effective in the treatment of estrogen receptor positive cancer patients. This form of endocrine therapy was established with tamoxifen and a new generation of drugs that interfere with estrogen chemistry. The proposed study addresses the question of whether these new medications are as effective as systemic chemotherapy. (ACOSOG Z 1031) Estrogen can cause the growth of breast cancer cells. Hormone therapy, using tamoxifen citrate, may fight breast cancer by blocking the use of estrogen by the tumor cells. Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane, may fight breast cancer by lowering the amount of estrogen the body makes. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or keeping them from dividing. This clinical trial evaluates how well giving tamoxifen citrate, anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane with or without chemotherapy works in treating patients with invasive breast cancer. (SWOG S1007)
2011 Survivorship
Improvement in quality of life through education and monitoring in the early detection of lymphedema, which results from the backup of fluid by disrupting lymph flow, is the focus. Breast cancer treatment involves the removal and analysis of the axillary lymph nodes. Lymphedema can be treated but not cured. The key prevention of this condition is early education and routine monitoring of all patients that have undergone node dissections. In this current study, monitoring for lymphedema is part of the protocol. (ACOSOG Z 1071)