Breast cancer vaccine trial begins enrolling people with BRCA1 and PALB2 mutations

A new vaccine was first tested on people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The vaccine is now being tested to prevent breast cancer among people with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or PALB2 who are at high risk and who are planning to have a risk-reducing mastectomy.

This research is early and scientists cannot yet tell how well the vaccine prevents cancer. However, if you have a BRCA1 or PALB2 inherited mutation, have never been diagnosed with cancer and are planning a risk-reducing mastectomy, you may qualify for this study.

You may also qualify for participation if you have been diagnosed with stage 2 or stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer and you have a high risk of your cancer returning.

Currently, the study is enrolling patients only in Cleveland, Ohio, so participants outside of the area would need to travel to participate. As this research continues, participation may be expanded to more cancer centers. If you are interested in participating, speak with your doctor and contact the study team listed on clinicaltrials.gov to see if you qualify for enrollment.

It is not known whether or when this vaccine might be available to the public. Even if the research is successful, availability will likely take several years. If the vaccine proves to be effective and is approved for breast cancer prevention, people who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed in the future would not be eligible to receive it.

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