July 1, 2002
Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Seeks Candidates for Three Breast
Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials
The TAM/MRI Study
What makes the TAM/MRI Study special?
The TAM/MRI study is for pre-menopausal women ages 25 to 45 who are at significantly increased risk for breast cancer.
What are the goals of the TAM/MRI Study?
This study will look at how the medication Tamoxifen works to lower the risk of breast cancer in young, high-risk women. It will also evaluate the breast MRI — a new screening technique that does not use radiation — as a monitoring tool.
What does this study involve?
Study participants will take a daily pill of either Tamoxifen or a placebo (sugar pill) for one year, then be followed for one year without the study medication. Participants will visit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for evaluations every six months during these two years. Each 6-month visit will include:
- a breast examination by a breast specialist
- a mammogram
- breast MRI
- bloodwork
All visits, examinations, tests and study medications will be provided free of charge.
Study participants will also receive:
- 5 years of Tamoxifen upon completion of the study free of charge
- $50 for each of the five follow-up visits to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Who may participate in the TAM/MRI study?
More than 110 women will be enrolled in this study from six sites across the United States.
You may be eligible if you:
- are between the ages of 25 and 45
- have a high risk of developing breast cancer
- have never been diagnosed with any form of cancer
- have regular menstrual periods
What is Tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen is a medication that has been used for over 20 years to improve the survival rate after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial showed that Tamoxifen also lowers the risk of new breast cancers in high-risk women by 49 percent.
What is a breast MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This sensitive detection method is now being applied to the breasts. A breast MRI is different from a mammogram because it uses radio waves and a large magnet instead of radiation to capture images of the breast. MRIs may detect changes or abnormalities in the breast earlier than a breast exam or a mammogram can.
How can I learn more?
For more information, please contact Lael Byrnes at (617) 632-2359.
