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A Phase I Dose Escalation Study of Topical Bexarotene in Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer

Trial Summary

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of bexarotene in preventing breast cancer in patients at high risk for breast cancer. Bexarotene belongs to a class of drugs that are called rexinoids, and it may reduce the incidence of breast tumors.


Dose Escalation Group:

Participants are assigned to one of three different dose levels. The three dose cohorts are as follows:

  • Dose 1: Bexarotene 1% gel 10 mg applied topically to one unaffected breast QOD x 4 weeks.
  • Dose 2: Bexarotene 1% gel 10 mg applied topically to one unaffected breast QOD x 7 days, then QD x 3 weeks.
  • Dose 3: Bexarotene 1% gel 10 mg applied topically to one unaffected breast QOD x 7 days, then 10 mg QD x 1 week, then 20 mg QD x 2 weeks.

A conservative modification of the standard "3+3" design is applied. The first three participants are assigned to the lowest dose level (dose 1). New cohorts of 3-4 participants are not treated until toxicity is evaluated for all current participants for 4 weeks. After 10 participants have successfully completed the 4 weeks, the next cohort is assigned to the next dose level.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 30 days.


Dose Expansion Group:

An additional 10 participants are enrolled and treated at the maximum tolerated dose (dosing level that had 10 participants complete successfully) to further evaluate safety and drug penetration into the breast tissue. There is a ramp up to the desired dose similar to the ramp up schedule in the dose escalation group. All participants in the dose expansion cohort will have a core breast biopsy at baseline and end of treatment.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 30 days.