Clinical Trials for People with Metastatic Breast Cancer

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Clinical trials

Over the past 40 years, breast cancer treatment has greatly improved due to findings from clinical trials. This is a promising time in breast cancer research.

Clinical trials test the safety and benefits of new treatments as well as new combinations (or new doses) of standard treatments. They can also study ways to manage side effects as well as other parts of care.

Many new treatments for metastatic breast cancer are under study. Most of these are drug therapies.

Learn how Komen-funded research is improving treatment for breast cancer.

Lajos Pusztai, M.D., D. Phil.
Komen Scholar

“Clinical trials provide a chance to receive tomorrow’s therapies today.”

Why should I consider joining a clinical trial?

A clinical trial offers you the chance to try a new treatment and possibly benefit from it. Learning whether a new drug is better than standard treatment can also help others.

Findings from clinical trials determine whether or not new treatments will become a part of the standard of care for metastatic breast cancer. Some treatments may even go on to be used to treat early-stage breast cancer or other types of cancer.

Some clinical trials compare a new treatment to a standard treatment. So, not everyone in the trial gets the new treatment. However, even those who don’t get the new treatment still get a standard treatment that is right for them, just as they would if they weren’t in the trial.

Clinical trials can also study other parts of care, such as ways to manage side effects.

We encourage you to talk with your oncologist and consider joining a clinical trial if there’s one right for you. Remember, like all aspects of cancer care, the decision to join a clinical trial is a personal one.

Even if you decide not to join a clinical trial now, it doesn’t mean you can’t join one later if you’re eligible.

Your oncologist will still be involved in your care even if you join a clinical trial.

Learn more about clinical trials, including possible benefits and drawbacks, how to enroll and the informed consent process.

Find a list of questions about clinical trials you may want to ask your health care provider.

Learn what Komen is doing to help people find and participate in breast cancer clinical trials, including trials supported by Komen.

Kathy Giller – Breast cancer survivor and co-survivor

“A clinical trial gave Lee a small reprieve from future treatments, but more importantly, it gave us time. When you’re told that you’re living with an incurable disease, there is no greater gift than time – time to be with the ones you love, time to create new memories and time to relish the old ones.”

When to consider joining a clinical trial

If you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, consider joining a clinical trial before starting treatment, when your oncologist is considering changing treatments, or when there are limited treatment options.

Learn more about joining a clinical trial.

Will I get a placebo?

A placebo is an inactive substance sometimes used to have a comparison to a drug in a clinical trial. Some people call this a “sugar pill.”

In breast cancer treatment clinical trials, you never get a placebo instead of a standard treatment. However, sometimes, you may get a standard treatment plus a placebo rather than a standard treatment plus the new treatment that’s being studied.

Most often, you’ll get either the new treatment or a standard treatment. So, even if you don’t get the new drug, your breast cancer will be treated the same as if you weren’t in the trial.

Where to find a clinical trial

There are many clinical trials for breast cancer in the U.S. Some clinical trials are done in one, or only a few, medical centers. Others are done in many places across the country.

There may not be a clinical trial that’s right for you in your area. So, you may have to travel if you want to join.

If your medical center doesn’t offer clinical trials, your oncologist can refer you to a cancer center that does.

Susan G. Komen^® Patient Care Center

If you or a loved one needs information or resources about clinical trials, the Patient Care Center can help. Contact the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email clinicaltrialinfo@komen.org.

The Patient Care Center navigators offer breast cancer clinical trial education and support, such as:

Knowing when to consider a trial
How to find a trial
How to decide which trial is best for you
What to expect during a trial
Information about clinical trial resources

Se habla español.

Metastatic Trial Search

The Metastatic Trial Search is an online clinical trial matching tool that can help you find clinical trials that fit your needs. You can also register to receive Trial Alerts.

Expanded Access

Expanded Access (compassionate use) gives access to drugs before they have FDA approval when patients have no other treatment options and aren’t eligible for a clinical trial.

Find information and resources on Expanded Access on the Expanded Access Navigator website.

Open Expanded Access programs are listed on the National Institutes of Health website, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Updated 03/16/26

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.