US/PA/E Imaging for Breast Cancer

This trial explores a new method to assess how well triple-negative breast cancer responds to treatment before surgery. It combines ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging to provide an early view of tumor reactions to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This approach could help doctors determine sooner if the treatment is effective. Individuals with stage II-III triple-negative breast cancer, who show no signs of cancer spreading and are scheduled to receive standard treatments—including chemotherapy drugs like Carboplatin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Paclitaxel, as well as the immunotherapy drug Pembrolizumab—might be suitable candidates for the trial. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on evaluating the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.

Research has shown that the treatments in this trial carry some risks, but they are generally manageable. For example, past studies found the combination of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide to be safe and tolerable. However, adding pembrolizumab to chemotherapy can lead to serious side effects, including a few deaths. In one study, 17.5% of patients experienced severe side effects, though most were mild to moderate and manageable.

Additionally, treatments with drugs like carboplatin and paclitaxel often cause side effects. One study reported that most side effects were mild, such as nausea, but serious problems occurred in a few cases.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the potential of advanced imaging techniques to enhance breast cancer treatment. Unlike standard imaging methods, this trial uses novel US/PA/E imaging, which combines ultrasound with photoacoustic and elastography imaging. These techniques can provide more detailed insights into tumor characteristics and treatment response, potentially allowing for more personalized and effective treatment plans. By integrating these cutting-edge imaging tools with the current treatments of carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab, researchers hope to improve early detection of treatment effectiveness and adapt strategies accordingly.

Research has shown that using carboplatin, pembrolizumab, and paclitaxel together effectively treats triple-negative breast cancer. Studies have found that this combination can significantly shrink tumors before surgery. In this trial, participants will receive this combination as part of the standard-of-care regimen.