A Study of the Effects of Inhibiting Platelet Function on Circulating Cancer Cells in Breast Cancer Patients

The Impact Of Platelet Function Inhibition On Circulating Cancer Cells In Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Plavix and aspirin in women with metastatic breast cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with metastatic breast cancer who are completing planned course of chemotherapy with planned treatment break

• On stable hormone therapy for at least 2 months are also eligible for the study

• Estimated survival of at least 3 months

• No platelet inhibitor therapy within 1 month of study entry

• Platelets ≥ 100,000

• Coagulation screening tests within normal range (INR between 0.81 and 1.20)

• Normal kidney and liver function as defined by:

  • Aspartate aminotransferase(AST)/serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT))/alanine aminotransferase(ALT) ≤ 2 x Institutional Normal
  • Creatinine ≤ 2 x Institutional Normal

• Able to provide signed, informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients going on to surgery
• Patients with a serious bleeding disorder that make them inappropriate candidates for NSAID therapy
• Patients with history of significant bleeding related to peptic ulcer disease
• Patients on standing doses of NSAIDS or platelet function inhibitors
• Patients on standing doses of anti-coagulants