Research Trial for Breast Cancer Vaccine at Stony Brook

Christine Amitrano feels fortunate that her breast cancer was detected when she was just 35. Now, after enduring two years of rigorous treatment, she has signed up for a clinical trial testing a new vaccine that aims to help prevent the recurrence of her cancer.

“Volunteering for research is vital,” Amitrano, now 41, shared during a recent conversation at Stony Brook Medicine’s Cancer Center. Although she isn’t sure if she’s receiving the actual vaccine or a placebo, she recognizes that her previous treatments were developed thanks to participants in clinical trials.

Stony Brook Cancer Center is one of only 160 locations across the globe involved in the FLAMINGO-01 Phase III trial led by Greenwich LifeSciences, a company from Texas. This study is focused on a vaccine designed specifically for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

Participants will receive a series of six injections over a span of six months, followed by five booster shots at six-month intervals.

What We Found

• Stony Brook Cancer Center is conducting a clinical trial for a vaccine that could help breast cancer patients avoid a recurrence that could spread throughout their bodies.
• Those eligible with HER2-positive breast cancer will receive six injections over six months, plus five additional boosters six months later. This center is currently the only one on Long Island running this trial.
• Doctors are optimistic that the vaccine will decrease the likelihood of metastatic disease in patients diagnosed at an early stage.

The primary objective is to stop cancer from returning and progressing into a metastatic form, which involves its spread to other organs beyond the breast.

“For women who develop metastatic breast cancer, there have been advancements in prolonging their lives and improving their quality of life,” explained Dr. Jules Cohen, a medical oncologist at the Stony Brook Cancer Center treating Amitrano. “When it reaches organs like the liver, lungs, or brain, it often leads to a fatal outcome… We’re searching for strategies to minimize the risk of metastatic recurrence in patients diagnosed early.”

Interestingly, most women generally don’t get their baseline mammogram until they hit 40, unless they have specific risk factors like a family history of breast cancer.

Early Detection and the Journey

Amitrano’s mother, a nurse, encouraged her to consider early screening. As an adopted individual, her mother lacked knowledge of any genetic predispositions. The mammogram and ultrasound eventually revealed a lump in Amitrano’s left breast and a mass in her right. While the mass was benign, the lump was confirmed as stage 2 cancer.

“We were stunned,” she recalled. “I didn’t really suspect anything was wrong.”

Doctors indicated that earlier screenings might have prevented the lumps from showing up at all, suggesting that a delay could have led to a more advanced cancer stage.

Following her diagnosis, Amitrano underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatment. Though she currently shows no signs of cancer, she continues on long-term medication and has regular screenings.

This experience influenced her career shift from being a physical education teacher to working as an MRI X-ray technician.

“While going through radiation, I became fascinated by the process,” Amitrano noted. “Getting diagnosed early is incredibly important, and I wanted to work in a field that makes a difference for others.”

Stony Brook is still looking for participants diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer for this clinical trial. Amitrano encourages anyone affected to consider joining.

“All the treatments we have today exist because of the involvement of patients in trials, both nationally and globally,” said Cohen. “Through steady progress, cancer treatments have evolved to benefit more patients.”

“Some may feel hesitant about the potential health risks of clinical trials,” Cohen added, “but rest assured that participants are closely monitored.” He emphasized, “There’s a significant level of oversight for those involved. Participants come in regularly, and a dedicated clinical trials team oversees their care, monitoring everything meticulously.”