A study looking at Phyllodes breast tumours
A study looking at Phyllodes breast tumours

This UK study is looking at a rare type of tumour called Phyllodes tumour that generally occur in the breast. They can be either cancerous (malignant) or non cancerous (benign). They are usually treated with surgery and sometimes radiotherapy. These tumours do not usually come back (recur) after treatment, although they occasionally recur in some people.

The researchers will collect tumour samples and blood samples from people who have been diagnosed with a Phyllodes tumour. They will use these samples

To try to identify genes that may be important in the development of these tumours
To try to understand why some tumours come back and some do not
The results of this study will hopefully increase our understanding of Phyllodes tumours and benefit patients in the future.

Recruitment
Starts 01/01/2004
Ends 01/01/2010

Who can enter this trial
You can enter this trial if you have been diagnosed with a Phyllodes tumour of the breast and you have had surgery to remove this, or you are due to have surgery to remove this

Trial design
This study aims to recruit 500 people with a Phyllodes tumour of the breast. The researchers will ask some people to take part who are going to have an operation to remove their Phyllodes tumour. They will also write to people who have had treatment for Phyllodes tumour in the past, asking them if they will take part.

If you are not a patient at one of the recruiting hospitals and you are interested in taking part, you may be able to. You could discuss this with your own consultant and ask them to refer you to the Chief Investigator of this study.

If you take part, the researchers will ask for your permission to collect some tissue from your tumour and some of the surrounding normal tissue. The tissue may be from a biopsy or operation you are due to have, or have had in the past.

They will also ask you to have a blood test. The researchers need about 2 tablespoons of blood (about 10 to 25 mls). This is in addition to blood tests that you might have as part of your treatment.

The research team will look at your tissue and blood samples to find information about the DNA and any genetic changes that might be present. They will also use some of the tissue samples to try to grow the tumour cells in the laboratory to see how the cells behave.

Hospital visits
Taking part in this study will probably not involve any extra hospital visits. The researchers will try to arrange for you to have your blood test when you are an in patient, or when you are due to go to hospital for other tests (as part of your treatment).

If you are not due to visit hospital, the research team will ask you to go to your GP surgery to have your blood test. A blood test pack will be posted out to you and you just need to give this to your GP or practice nurse.

Side effects
Taking part in this study will not affect your treatment for Phyllodes tumour and will not change your medical care in any way. You may have an extra blood test as a result of taking part. But if possible, this will be arranged so that blood is taken when you are due to have other blood tests, as part of your treatment.

Your blood tests may cause some bruising to the skin.

Elinor Sawyer
Clinician Scientist
Molecular and Population Genetics Laboratory
Cancer Research UK
P.O.Box 123
London
WC2A 3PX
Tel: 020 7269 3728
Email: elinor.sawyer@cancer.org.uk

Chief Investigator
Professor I. Tomlinson
Supported by
Cancer Research UK
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