A Phase 2 interventional study of Cyclophosphamide and Epirubicin in Triple Negative Breast Cancer, sponsored by University of Chicago. Recruiting at 4 sites in Nigeria. Open to female participants aged 18 Years to 70 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-02-17.
Sponsored by University of Chicago · Phase 2, Interventional, and Treatment
The primary purpose of this study is to determine what proportion of participants will achieve complete pathological response with epirubicin+ cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel +carboplatin. This will also examine the potential of using signals in the blood (biomarkers) to identify resistance to chemotherapy in Nigerian women with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
All enrollment to this trial will occur at sites in Nigeria. University of Chicago is serving as coordinating center and will be involved in data analysis.
1,219 studies on the registry are indexed under Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms; 446 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 85 is above the median of 60 across 1,053 interventional studies indexed under Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms.
Browse Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms studies →University of Chicago is the lead sponsor of 924 studies on the registry; 185 are open to participants now.
Of its 103 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 72 (70%) have results posted.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Non-pregnant and not nursing.
7. Creatinine within institutional normal limits or greater than or equal to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD EPI) equation 10. Baseline of greater than or equal to 55%
Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
A biopsy takes a small piece of tissue to examine. “Archival tissue” is a sample already taken, for example at diagnosis, and kept by the hospital.
Whether a stored sample will do depends on when it was taken, how much there is and what the study needs. Ask whether the study accepts your stored sample or needs a new biopsy.
The diagnosis was confirmed by looking at a sample under a microscope: tissue from a biopsy or surgery (histology), or cells from a fluid or needle sample (cytology).
Your pathology report is the document that shows this.
HER2 is a protein, made from the ERBB2 gene, that drives the growth of some cancers. A study may look for a level of the protein, extra copies of the gene, or a particular change in it.
In breast cancer, protein tests are read as HER2-positive, HER2-low or HER2-negative; other cancers use their own rules. Check which test result the study requires.
A scale of how much an illness limits everyday activity. For people being assessed to join a study, scores run from 0 (fully active) to 4; lower is more active.
Studies most often ask for 0–1 or 0–2. Your doctor gives the score; the WHO scale uses the same steps. The full scale also has 5, which records death.
Blood cells that help blood clot. Too few raises the risk of bleeding and bruising. A usual adult range is about 150–400 × 10⁹/L (150,000–400,000 per µL); each lab has its own reference range.
The number of neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, in a given amount of blood. Too few raises the risk of infection.
It is a count, not a percentage of the white cells. Limits are written in units that mean the same: ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L is ≥ 1,500 per mm³ (µL). Each lab has its own reference range.
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low level is anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Measured in g/dL or g/L (9 g/dL is 90 g/L).
A yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down, which the liver clears. A high level can mean a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.
Criteria often allow more for people with Gilbert’s syndrome, a harmless inherited condition that raises bilirubin.
The top of the normal range for a blood test, as set by the laboratory that runs it. Each lab prints its own range next to your result.
“≤ 2.5 × ULN” means the result can be up to two and a half times that top value.
Two enzymes measured in a routine blood test of the liver. Higher levels can mean the liver is under strain or damaged. SGPT and SGOT are older names for ALT and AST.
Criteria usually give a limit as a multiple of the upper limit of normal (ULN), often higher when cancer has spread to the liver.
GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is how much blood the kidneys filter each minute. It is usually estimated from a blood test — eGFR, by formulas such as CKD-EPI or MDRD — and some studies ask for it to be measured directly instead. Usually given in mL/min/1.73 m².
Check the method, the units and the minimum the study states. A value of 90 or above is in the normal-or-high range, but kidney damage can show in other tests too.
The share of blood the heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pushes out with each beat, measured by an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or a MUGA scan. About 50–70% is normal.
Cancer that has spread from where it began to other parts of the body. “Metastatic” cancer is cancer that has spread this way.
A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.
It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.
The human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system.
Many studies now accept people whose HIV is controlled on treatment, judged by the viral load and the CD4 count. Check the limits this study sets.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Biopsy and archival tissue
A biopsy takes a small piece of tissue to examine. “Archival tissue” is a sample already taken, for example at diagnosis, and kept by the hospital.
Whether a stored sample will do depends on when it was taken, how much there is and what the study needs. Ask whether the study accepts your stored sample or needs a new biopsy.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Histologically or cytologically confirmed
The diagnosis was confirmed by looking at a sample under a microscope: tissue from a biopsy or surgery (histology), or cells from a fluid or needle sample (cytology).
Your pathology report is the document that shows this.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
HER2
HER2 is a protein, made from the ERBB2 gene, that drives the growth of some cancers. A study may look for a level of the protein, extra copies of the gene, or a particular change in it.
In breast cancer, protein tests are read as HER2-positive, HER2-low or HER2-negative; other cancers use their own rules. Check which test result the study requires.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ECOG performance status
A scale of how much an illness limits everyday activity. For people being assessed to join a study, scores run from 0 (fully active) to 4; lower is more active.
Studies most often ask for 0–1 or 0–2. Your doctor gives the score; the WHO scale uses the same steps. The full scale also has 5, which records death.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Platelets
Blood cells that help blood clot. Too few raises the risk of bleeding and bruising. A usual adult range is about 150–400 × 10⁹/L (150,000–400,000 per µL); each lab has its own reference range.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
The number of neutrophils, white blood cells that help fight infection, in a given amount of blood. Too few raises the risk of infection.
It is a count, not a percentage of the white cells. Limits are written in units that mean the same: ≥ 1.5 × 10⁹/L is ≥ 1,500 per mm³ (µL). Each lab has its own reference range.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Hemoglobin (Hb)
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low level is anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Measured in g/dL or g/L (9 g/dL is 90 g/L).
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Bilirubin
A yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down, which the liver clears. A high level can mean a problem with the liver or the bile ducts.
Criteria often allow more for people with Gilbert’s syndrome, a harmless inherited condition that raises bilirubin.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ULN (upper limit of normal)
The top of the normal range for a blood test, as set by the laboratory that runs it. Each lab prints its own range next to your result.
“≤ 2.5 × ULN” means the result can be up to two and a half times that top value.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
ALT and AST (liver enzymes)
Two enzymes measured in a routine blood test of the liver. Higher levels can mean the liver is under strain or damaged. SGPT and SGOT are older names for ALT and AST.
Criteria usually give a limit as a multiple of the upper limit of normal (ULN), often higher when cancer has spread to the liver.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
GFR and eGFR (kidney filtering)
GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is how much blood the kidneys filter each minute. It is usually estimated from a blood test — eGFR, by formulas such as CKD-EPI or MDRD — and some studies ask for it to be measured directly instead. Usually given in mL/min/1.73 m².
Check the method, the units and the minimum the study states. A value of 90 or above is in the normal-or-high range, but kidney damage can show in other tests too.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction)
The share of blood the heart’s main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) pushes out with each beat, measured by an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or a MUGA scan. About 50–70% is normal.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Metastases
Cancer that has spread from where it began to other parts of the body. “Metastatic” cancer is cancer that has spread this way.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Investigational drug or device
A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.
It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus, which weakens the immune system.
Many studies now accept people whose HIV is controlled on treatment, judged by the viral load and the CD4 count. Check the limits this study sets.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants will receive epirubicin and cyclophosphamide every three weeks for a total of 12 weeks followed by 3-weekly docetaxel for 12 weeks and carboplatin every three weeks for a total of 12 weeks. All premenopausal participants will receive luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist goserelin (Zoladex) for contraception and fertility preservation.
Drug: Cyclophosphamide · Drug: Epirubicin · Drug: Docetaxel · Drug: Carboplatin · Procedure: Breast Surgery · Drug: Capecitabine
Cyclophosphamide is given by intravenous (IV) infusion once every 3 weeks for 4 doses total (12 weeks). It will be given together with Epirubicin.
Epirubicin is given by intravenous (IV) infusion once every 3 weeks for 4 doses total (12 weeks). It will be given together with Cyclophosphamide.
Docetaxel is given by intravenous (IV) infusion once every 3 weeks for 4 doses total (12 weeks). It will be given together with Carboplatin. Dosing will start after treatment with Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide (EC) is completed.
Carboplatin is given by intravenous (IV) infusion once every 3 weeks for 4 doses total (12 weeks). It will be given together with Docetaxel. Dosing will start after treatment with EC is completed.
Participants will undergo breast surgery after completing dosing with Carboplatin and Docetaxel to remove any remaining cancer in the breast.
Capecitabine is a pill that will be taken by mouth daily for 6 months after surgery is completed.
Percentage of Participants that Achieve Pathologic Complete Response (pCR) Rate (Breast)
How well does the study chemotherapy regimen of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by docetaxel and carboplatin work to remove tumor cells in the breast. This will be determined by percentage of participants that do not have noticeable cancer cells in the breast after completing the chemotherapy regimen.
Time frame: 4 - 6 months from start of chemotherapy
Percentage of Participants that Achieve Pathologic Complete Response (pCR) Rate (Lymph Nodes)
How well does the study chemotherapy regimen of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by docetaxel and carboplatin work to remove tumor cells in the lymph nodes. This will be determined by percentage of participants that do not have noticeable cancer cells in the lymph nodes after completing the chemotherapy regimen.
Time frame: 4 - 6 months from start of chemotherapy
Percentage of Participants that Achieve Pathologic Complete Response (pCR) Rate (By Stage)
How well does the study chemotherapy regimen of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by docetaxel and carboplatin work to remove tumor cells based on stage of breast cancer. This will be determined by percentage of participants that do not have noticeable cancer cells in the lymph nodes after completing the chemotherapy regimen.
Time frame: 4 - 6 months from start of chemotherapy
Side Effects of the Study Pre-surgery Chemotherapy Regimen
Percentage of participants experiencing Grades 3 and 4 blood, gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiovascular toxicities.
Time frame: After 8 cycles of treatment (24 weeks)
Clinical Response
Percentage of participants achieving clinical response (CR and PR) during neoadjuvant period by breast ultrasound
Time frame: 4 - 6 months from start of chemotherapy
Progressive Disease
Percentage of participants with progressive disease during pre-surgery treatment period
Time frame: After 8 cycles of treatment (24 weeks)
Invasive Disease Free Survival (iDFS)
Time to cancer returning or death
Time frame: 10 years from start of treatment
Duration of Response
Time to cancer worsening or death
Time frame: 10 years from start of treatment
Heart Related Side Effects of the Pre-Surgery Chemotherapy Regimen
Percentage of participants with Heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV or as confirmed by a cardiologist) and a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of at least 10 ejection fraction (EF) points from baseline and to below 50%.
Time frame: 10 years from start of treatment
Started Mar 2025 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Jun 2029, 51 months after the start.
Of 220 non-industry phase 2 interventional studies under Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms, half reached primary completion within 60 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 38 and three quarters within 99. This study's planned 51 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 255 studies reached it within 59 months; a quarter within 37 and three quarters within 94.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
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Studies of the drugs tested here: Cyclophosphamide · Epirubicin · Docetaxel · Carboplatin · Capecitabine
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms →