Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Summary

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA). N-3 LCPUFA are essential fatty acids in the diet. The majority of n-3 LCPUFA in the diet is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). While DHA can be synthesized from ALA and other n-3 LCPUFA in the body, endogenous synthesis is low. Consequently, the only way to significantly increase levels of DHA in tissues is by directly consuming this fatty acid. Common sources of DHA are fatty fish, fish oil and omega-3 supplements and fortified foods.

DHA is readily incorporated into membrane phospholipids and induces changes in the properties of the cell membrane including altered fluidity; permeability and membrane transport as well as activity of membrane bound receptors and enzymes.

It is well established that changes in membrane DHA has multiple effects in the body, including modulation of neurological, immune, and cardiovascular functions. In breast cancer, DHA increases sensitivity of breast cancer cells to different chemotherapeutic agents, and in animal models of breast cancer, dietary DHA decreases tumour growth. The investigator's preclinical studies demonstrate that DHA increases efficacy of both doxorubicin and docetaxel, two agents commonly used in the adjuvant setting for breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, DHA mitigates chemotherapy induced weight loss in mice, and reduces paclitaxel toxicities in breast cancer patients, strongly indicating that DHA protects against toxicity in normal tissues. Directly relevant to this study, increased DHA in breast adipose tissue correlates with improved response to chemotherapy, and increased dietary intake of n-3 LCPUFA, including DHA, results in increased DHA incorporation in breast adipose tissue. Lastly, in advanced metastatic breast cancer, DHA supplementation correlated with improved outcomes in a subset of patients. Consequently, the Investigators hypothesize that the therapeutic index (efficacy: toxicity ratio) will be improved with the addition of DHA. In this clinical trial, the Investigators will explore the benefit of DHA supplementation in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer.

RESEARCH QUESTION & OBJECTIVES: The Investigators propose to evaluate incorporation of DHA in women with breast cancer in treatment naïve patients in combination with chemotherapy, and assess potential benefit of DHA supplementation in breast cancer patients, using change in Ki67 labeling index (marker of proliferation) as a marker of efficacy. This study will further investigate the relationship between DHA in plasma phospholipids (as a potential biomarker of tumour incorporation) and effect on systemic immune function.

METHODS: Patients directed to receive chemotherapy will receive capsules, each containing a minimum of 400 mg of DHA in the form of DHA enriched triglyceride oil or placebo (corn/soy oil blend) to be taken orally (11 capsules/day, throughout day as preferred by participant) for a total of 5 g DHA or placebo, for 12-18 weeks (84-126 days) beginning at the start of the first cycle of chemotherapy, and continued throughout 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy (3 weeks/ cycle). DHA will be discontinued 21 days after the last administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Tumour biopsies at baseline and post surgical removal will be assessed for Ki67 status as well as for markers of apoptosis and stem cell presence (by immunohistochemistry). Blood samples taken at baseline prior to each round of chemotherapy will be assessed for immune markers and plasma phospholipid content.


Clinical Trial Description

n/a


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT03831178
Study type Interventional
Source AHS Cancer Control Alberta
Contact Deborah Miede, RN
Phone 780-432-8644
Email Deborah.Miede@albertahealthservices.ca
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 2
Start date August 28, 2019
Completion date September 2021

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Recruiting NCT04681911 - Inetetamab Combined With Pyrotinib and Chemotherapy in the Treatment of HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer Phase 2
Terminated NCT04066790 - Pyrotinib or Trastuzumab Plus Nab-paclitaxel as Neoadjuvant Therapy in HER2-positive Breast Cancer Phase 2
Completed NCT04890327 - Web-based Family History Tool N/A
Completed NCT03591848 - Pilot Study of a Web-based Decision Aid for Young Women With Breast Cancer, During the Proposal for Preservation of Fertility N/A
Recruiting NCT03954197 - Evaluation of Priming Before in Vitro Maturation for Fertility Preservation in Breast Cancer Patients N/A
Terminated NCT02202746 - A Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of the VEGFR-FGFR-PDGFR Inhibitor, Lucitanib, Given to Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer Phase 2
Active, not recruiting NCT01472094 - The Hurria Older PatiEnts (HOPE) With Breast Cancer Study
Recruiting NCT06049446 - Combining CEM and Magnetic Seed Localization of Non-Palpable Breast Tumors
Recruiting NCT06057636 - Hypnosis for Pain in Black Women With Advanced Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study N/A
Recruiting NCT05560334 - A Single-Arm, Open, Exploratory Clinical Study of Pemigatinib in the Treatment of HER2-negative Advanced Breast Cancer Patients With FGFR Alterations Phase 2
Active, not recruiting NCT05501769 - ARV-471 in Combination With Everolimus for the Treatment of Advanced or Metastatic ER+, HER2- Breast Cancer Phase 1
Recruiting NCT04631835 - Phase I Study of the HS-10352 in Patients With Advanced Breast Cancer Phase 1
Completed NCT04307407 - Exercise in Breast Cancer Survivors N/A
Recruiting NCT03544762 - Correlation of 16α-[18F]Fluoro-17β-estradiol PET Imaging With ESR1 Mutation Phase 3
Terminated NCT02482389 - Study of Preoperative Boost Radiotherapy N/A
Enrolling by invitation NCT00068003 - Harvesting Cells for Experimental Cancer Treatments
Completed NCT00226967 - Stress, Diurnal Cortisol, and Breast Cancer Survival
Recruiting NCT06006390 - CEA Targeting Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Lymphocytes (CAR-T) in the Treatment of CEA Positive Advanced Solid Tumors Phase 1/Phase 2
Recruiting NCT06019325 - Rhomboid Intercostal Plane Block on Chronic Pain Incidence and Acute Pain Scores After Mastectomy N/A
Recruiting NCT06037954 - A Study of Mental Health Care in People With Cancer N/A