Massey Breast Cancer Prevention Clinical Trial reaches full enrollment

By Joe Kuttenkuler

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 17, 2004) — Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center reached full enrollment for participation in North America’s largest clinical trial for breast cancer prevention. Under Massey’s guidance, 166 women throughout Virginia are participating at five sites over several years as researchers track the effects of two drugs.

“Women in Virginia are savvy and proactive with their health care, which includes exploring opportunities to reduce their risk of getting breast cancer. The STAR trial has given them that opportunity,” said Mary Helen Hackney, M.D., an oncologist at the Massey Cancer Center and co-principal investigator for the Richmond arm of the trial. “These women know they are expanding the knowledge about breast cancer that may help future generations.”

The Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) evaluates the effectiveness of the osteoporosis drug Raloxifene in preventing breast cancer. It builds on results from a previous trial that showed tamoxifen reduced the occurrence of breast cancer in women at high risk. STAR will determine whether raloxifene is as effective in reducing breast cancer and whether it has benefits over tamoxifen, such as fewer side effects.

Participants in STAR are randomly assigned to one of the two drugs for five years. They will continue to obtain close follow-up care until study results are known. STAR began in 1999 and some women have already completed their five years of treatment.

STAR participants visit twice a year for blood tests, take daily medication, and have annual mammography and gynecological exams. 

Although this trial is full, women who are concerned about their own risks for breast cancer may contact Massey’s Breast Health Center at 804-828-5024 for education, prevention and medical appointments.

When Massey opened the trial in 1999, it sought 100 participants. “To exceed our goal in such great numbers shows that women have a vested interest in helping to prevent cancer,” said Dr. Hackney.

Other sites participating in the trial under Massey’s guidance include Virginia Oncology Associates in Newport News; Virginia Cancer Institute in Richmond; Oncology and Hematology Associates of Southwest Virginia; and Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville. Northern Virginia is the only region in the Commonwealth operating independent of Massey for the North American trial.