At the NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center, researchers are an integral part of our multidisciplinary care team. Translational research being carried out at the NorthShore Research Institute ensures that the most promising breakthroughs in the lab are translated into clinical studies that may provide immediate benefit for patients.

We continue to expand our clinical trial offerings, which allow patients through their approved participation, access to new treatments before they are widely available. Here are two such trials:

1: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter international, Phase III study, “Studying the Effect of Denosumab on Preventing Breast Cancer in Women With a BRCA1 Germline Mutation,” is now open for enrollment at NorthShore University HealthSystem. An approved study site for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, NorthShore is inviting eligible clinic patients with a BRCA1 mutation (a high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer) to participate. The trial offers a novel application of the drug Denosumab to evaluate breast cancer risk reduction. For clinical trial and eligibility information, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

2: NorthShore Surgical Oncologist Katherine Kopkash, MD, principal investigator, is currently enrolling patients at high risk of developing breast cancer to participate in a clinical trial using a robotic approach to nipple sparing mastectomies with reconstruction. NorthShore University HealthSystem is the only site in Illinois participating in the study where the entire surgery is performed through a small, 3.5 cm incision in the armpit. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.