Improving Breast Cancer Surgery Outcomes with Doxycycline in Tanzania

​Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Nyagabona

Disease: Breast Cancer

Research Description: In Tanzania and other low and lower-middle income countries (LMICs), breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage. Chemotherapy followed by surgery, considered standard of care, does not always fully eliminate the cancer – especially in advanced cancer – due in part to the presence of cancer stem cells, which are resistant to chemotherapy. New, affordable treatment options for LMIC breast cancer patients are needed to reduce recurrence by killing these cancer stem cells. Early laboratory research suggests that doxycycline, a low-cost antibiotic used for infections, may target cancer stem cells. This pilot, randomized, controlled trial is testing the addition of doxycycline for 14 days after chemotherapy and before surgery in Stage III luminal A type breast cancer to help eliminate cancer stem cells and improve patient outcomes.

Funding Partners: Coefficient Giving

Initial CWR Funding Role: Primary