RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

CATCH: Implementation of Genomics-guided Precision Medicine in Metastatic Breast Cancer

The CATCH study is helping doctors better understand and treat advanced breast cancer that has spread. It does this by using a special test called “genomic profiling.” This test looks at the genetic information of your cancer to find its unique features. By understanding these features, doctors hope to find the most effective treatments that are tailored just for you. This approach is called "precision medicine." The study aims to identify specific markers in your cancer that can guide treatment decisions. It also collects samples for future research, helping to build a comprehensive database of information. This will help scientists and doctors develop even better treatments for breast cancer going forward, improving care for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

German Cancer Research Center

Enrolment target

5,000

Start

12 Jun 2017

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2030

Metastatic Breast Cancer

What is this study about?

The CATCH study is designed to help doctors find the best possible treatments for people with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (this is called metastatic breast cancer). Currently, many treatments are available, but finding the one that works best for each individual can be a challenge.

This study uses a method called "genomic profiling," which is like taking a very detailed look at the instruction manual of your cancer cells. By doing this, doctors can understand what makes your cancer unique at a genetic level. This information can then help them choose treatments that are specifically designed to target those unique features. This personalized approach to treatment is often called "precision medicine."

Beyond helping individual patients, the study also collects important information and samples. This helps build a large database that researchers can use to learn more about metastatic breast cancer, how it changes, and why some treatments work better than others. Ultimately, the goal is to improve care and find new, more effective treatments for everyone affected by metastatic breast cancer.

Key takeaways

The CATCH study uses advanced genetic testing to understand advanced breast cancer better.
It aims to help doctors find more personalized and effective treatments for patients.
Both men and women with metastatic breast cancer can participate.
Taking part involves giving tissue samples during routine biopsies and regular blood samples.
The information gained can help guide your treatment decisions and future research.
You can stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both women and men who have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. You need to be at least 14 years old to take part, or if you are younger than 18, your parent or guardian needs to agree for you.

It doesn't matter what type of advanced breast cancer you have, or what treatments you've had in the past. What's most important is that you are able to have a small sample taken from your cancer, as this is crucial for the genetic testing.

Unfortunately, if your breast cancer hasn't spread yet, or if it's not safe or possible to take a tissue sample from your cancer, then you won't be able to join this study. Also, if you have other health issues that would make it very difficult for you to participate in the study's procedures, you might not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have breast cancer that has spread to other parts of your body?
Are you at least 14 years old (or with a parent’s agreement if younger than 18)?
Is it safe and possible to take a small tissue sample from your cancer?
Are you able to provide written agreement to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll need to sign a consent form, which means you understand and agree to the process. When your doctor takes a biopsy (a small tissue sample) from your cancer as part of your normal care, a portion of that sample will be used for this study's genetic tests. You'll also have blood samples taken at the beginning of the study, and potentially every three months, to help monitor your progress and provide more information.

These samples will be sent to a special lab for detailed analysis to understand the unique features of your cancer. The results from these tests will then be discussed by a team of experts (a 'Molecular Tumor Board') who will consider them alongside your other medical information. They will then help your doctor decide if there are any specific treatments or other clinical trials that might be particularly suitable for you based on your cancer's genetic profile.

All of these steps are integrated into your usual care, with the aim of providing additional information to guide your treatment decisions.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that the detailed genetic information from your cancer might help your doctors identify treatments that are more specifically tailored to you, or suggest other clinical trials that could be beneficial. This could lead to more effective treatment options. As for risks, the main procedures involved are standard biopsies and blood tests, which carry small, known risks like slight discomfort, bruising, or a minor infection. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (12)

University Hospital Augsburg
Verified postcode
Augsburg, Germany· Recruiting
Charité
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Köln
Verified postcode
Cologne, Germany· Recruiting
Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus
Verified postcode
Dresden, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Erlangen
Verified postcode
Erlangen, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Essen
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany· Recruiting
National Center for Tumor Diseases
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany· Recruiting
Caritas Hospital St. Josef
Verified postcode
Regensburg, Germany· Recruiting
Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus Stuttgart
Verified postcode
Stuttgart, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Tübingen
Verified postcode
Tübingen, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Ulm
Verified postcode
Ulm, Germany· Recruiting
University Hospital Würzburg
Verified postcode
Würzburg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'metastatic breast cancer'?

It means breast cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of your body.

What is 'genomic profiling'?

It's a special test that looks closely at the genetic information in your cancer cells to find their unique features.

Will this study directly give me a new medicine?

The study provides information to your doctors that might help them choose existing treatments or other trials that are a better match for your cancer.

Do I have to pay to be in this study?

No, there are no costs for you to participate in this research study.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and your decision will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Andreas Schneeweiss, MD

andreas.schneeweiss@med.uni-heidelberg.de 0049-6221-5636051 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.