
Research
Study program
TAXIS study
In this study, we are investigating the effectiveness of radiotherapy compared to surgery in the treatment of breast cancer affecting the lymph nodes in the armpit. We are conducting this study to find the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects.
The study procedure is as follows: All patients will have a limited number of the affected lymph nodes and sentinel nodes surgically removed. The patients are then randomly divided into two groups (randomized study).
In one group, the remaining or still existing lymph nodes in the armpit are removed. This corresponds to the standard treatment, which can effectively prevent recurrences in the armpit. However, around a quarter of patients experience side effects, some of which are permanent. These include loss of sensation, chronic pain, restricted movement of the shoulder and swelling of the arm, known as lymphoedema. In the other group, the armpit is irradiated. This therapy may be just as effective as the treatment of the first group and cause fewer side effects. If the benefits of radiotherapy are confirmed in this study, it could become the new standard treatment for patients with this disease.
This study is being conducted at many centers in Switzerland and abroad. In total, we are including 1,500 patients (women and men with breast cancer) over a period of just over 5 years. The total duration of the study is approximately 25 years, including the follow-up period. Medical visits are frequent at the beginning of the study and take place annually from the third year of participation.
PREPEC study
A study on quality of life after breast reconstruction. Many patients have to undergo amputation of one or both breasts for therapeutic or precautionary reasons. The removed breast can be reconstructed with the patient's own tissue or with implants. In Switzerland alone, over 1500 breast reconstructions with implants (IBBR) were performed in 2017. However, it is currently not known whether positioning the implant in front of (prepectoral) or behind (subpectoral) the breast muscle is better for patients.
The study aims to determine which of the two surgical techniques guarantees a better quality of life for patients in the long term. In addition, the two groups will be compared in terms of safety, satisfaction, aesthetics and stress for patients.
Chemotherapy associated studies
Study I:
- Title: Increasing the quality of life of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy through hypnotherapy;
- Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to investigate whether structured hypnotherapy can improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. We expect this, among other things, because we assume, based on various studies conducted to date, that the intervention alleviates your side effects as well as any anxiety and depression symptoms and has a positive effect on your immune system and tumor markers
- Selection of patients: All patients aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time and are receiving chemotherapy can take part.
- Study duration approx. 6 months; session duration: 45-60 min; 6 sessions max; and for both arms 6 questionnaires max.
- This is a non-blinded, controlled, randomized study.
Study II:
- Title: Intelligent vacuum-assisted breast biopsy prior to tumor surgery to determine the success of prior chemotherapy
- Aim of the study: In this study, we are investigating whether imaging techniques and an intelligent vacuum-assisted biopsy of the tissue are sufficient to determine the effectiveness of the chemotherapy given before tumor surgery in certain people with breast cancer.
- Selection of patients: Women and men who are over the age of 18 can participate in the study. The participants are suffering from certain types of breast cancer with a tumor size of 1-5 cm and without any offshoots. After chemotherapy, no or almost no tumor tissue can be detected on imaging. The participants' state of health must be good enough for them to undergo surgery.
- This is a single-arm international prospective feasibility study being conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.
For further information please contact Prof. Christian Kurzeder.